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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels November 18, 2004 The house of pantos By Andrew Scot Bolsinger Ashland Daily Tidings Friends, the ball dropping in Times Square, Joe Montana in the Super Bowl, the Field of Dreams, any Ralph Lauren fashion show or Robert Redford movie or even any new Eminem song, and... any panto by the Oregon Cabaret Theatre at Christmas time. Simply put, a sure thing. While pantos may not be as familiar to the mass audience-at-large, to regional theater-goers no explanation is necessary. OCT artistic director Jim Giancarlo has written and directed many past successes in the genre, including this year's "Snow White and Several Dweebs," which was a screaming hit in 2002 when it debuted at OCT, during, yes, Christmastime. Giancarlo became immersed in pantos during a visit to England, seeing for himself about 14 different pantos in about 12 days. "Christmas is all about going to the panto," Giancarlo said, "and that's the only time they are done."" So what exactly is all the fuss about? "In the UK, pantomime (or panto) has come to mean a non-silent form of theatre, incorporating song, dance, buffoonery, and satire, traditionally performed at Christmas," states Wikipedia, a free-content encyclopedia. Giancarlo is more simplified in his explanation: "It's kind of a crazy, hodgepodge -- it's so open, it's so much fun because anything goes." As the title suggests, the play draws its inspiration from the classic tale. Consider this the Star Trek version however, as Giancarlo takes our heroine in places where no other Snow White has gone before. The fiesty Snow White wants to be a rock star. Like all good fairy tales, she flees from the antagonist stepmother, Evilena. Dweeb-like frat boys named Rad, Cool and Awesome become her new friends. Of course there's a kiss, one that packs a punch worthy of pantos. "Dweebs" opens Friday night for its second run in Ashland. Along with Giancarlo at the helm, two of the original actors are back - Jacqueline Stein in the dual roles of Snow White and Queen Good-As-Gold and Marc Swan as Awesome, one of the Dweebs. Both are seasoned actors playing in parts across the country. Swan has previously appeared at OCT as Miss Deep South in "Pageant." The returning veterans are joined this time around by Sean Kelly (as Rad) and Kevin Kiler (as Cool). Kelly may be familiar to local audience for his roles in many productions at Southern Oregon University. Kiler has performed at Utah Shakespeare Festival, Sierra Rep Theatre, and PCPA Theatrefest. Jonathan Visser, who was recently seen as Zeff in OCT's "They Came From Way Out There," will play the role of Evilena, the wicked Queen. Pantos historically put a man into the role of the woman, an aspect that Giancarlo incorporates as well. The ensuing laughs are predictable. Eric Starker will play Prince Teal of Coquille as well as King True Blue and the Huntsman. Starker has appeared at the Willows Theatre Company, 42nd Street Moon, the Village Theatre and Repertory Actors Theatre. A popular hit among OCT regulars is the musical energy under the leadership of Musical Director Darcy Danielson who will also play keyboard. She is accompanied by Jim Malachi on percussion. Set design is by James J. Fenton, costume design by Kerri Lea Robbins, lighting design by Craig Hudson, sound design by Frank Sullivan and wig design by Victoria King. Giancarlo's enthusiam for the project drives its energy, both in his original writing, but also in his passion for pantos role at OCT. "Dweebs" combines the necessary physical comedy with familiar and unfamiliar songs and sharp wit. The actors each take to heart that panto maximum, Giancarlo says. "For the performers that 'anything goes' quality is really fun." Pantos in England are a seasonal tradition. Pantos have likewise become a holiday tradition in Ashland at Oregon Cabaret Theater. "The pantos have become sort of our trademark," Giancarlo says with a touch of pride. Get out: Tickets are $17 - $25 with preview tickets at $15. The box office is at First Street and Hargadine. Hours are 11a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. everyday except Sunday when it opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday the box office is closed. The play will run through Dec. 31, with performances on most nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday brunches at 1 p.m. Call the theater, 488 2902 for tickets and specific performance dates. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams