“Hansel and Gretel” at Land o`Lakes

submitted by LOLPS | May 26, 2011

Photo: Cash Matson plays Hansel opposite Jessica Deroches' Gingerbread Witch

For four days in early May, Grade 7 student Cassidy Savic, and Grade 4 student Cash Matson, cast off their normal earthly persona and skillfully transformed themselves into lovable heroes of legend as Land O’ Lakes Public School presented “The Story of Hansel and Gretel”.

Backed by a well-rehearsed choir of 28 “Gingerbread Cookies” conducted by Mrs. Joanne McCullough, and a cast of 32 performers directed by Mr. Brian Robertson and Ms. Jenn Meulenaar, Cash and Cassidy showcased the results of hard work, commitment and sheer talent as they carried the play through song, dance and acting, portraying the lead characters, Hansel and Gretel.

Cast and crew worked together to overcome minor and major obstacles as the performances unfolded, producing awesome results. Cast and crew included Jessica Desroches and Sadie Clarke as the Witches; Devon Scott, Cassy Lowery and Jade Walker as the Children; Jonathon Wisteard and Matt Sproule as the Trolls; Claudia Thompson and Erica Thompson as the Owl and Echo; Jessica Wisteard as the Gypsy; Bailey Paddick as the Sandman; Jesse Mae Ferguson and Megan Power as Caspar and Katrina; the amazing sound and light crew, Ophelia Cooper, Adam Power, Tristen Veley; and the awesome set crew who doubled as emcees, Summer Kennedy, Noah Wilson and Emalee Riddell, with Brianna Drew on props.

Several production numbers clearly stand out: “Public Holiday” featured singing solos by Cassy Lowery, Jade Walker, Cassidy Savic and Cash Matson. As the flats of Hansel and Gretel’s poor mountain cabin transformed into a colourful panache of circus-oriented scenes (designed and painted by Mr. Lee Hull and his grade 7/8 class), the choir exploded onto the stage depicting, through song and action, various circus acts including those of strongmen, puppeteers, clowns, cowgirls, candy vendors, dancers, and acrobats.

In “Hocus Pocus” and “Gingerbread Witch”, Jessica Desroches and Sadie Clarke (who shared the role of the Gingerbread Witch), performed spell-binding, dramatic versions of these songs, mixing up a cauldron of fun with comic sidekicks, goblins Claire Willis and Swayde Scott (voice by Jack Willis). In “Hocus Pocus”, the zombie-induced Gingerbread cookies are transformed into live dancing delights (all 28 gingerbread costumes and the two Shrek costumes were designed and sewn by Mrs. Peggy Muldoon of Sharbot Lake).

“Tap, Tap, Tap” featured the lead actors, Cash and Cassidy, singing this catchy children’s song and skillfully leading choir members (portraying local children) in an entertaining dance.

Ms. Fournier’s Grade 4/5 students did a fine job performing a “Witch’s woodland dance” based on Rossini-Respghi’s “The Tarantella”.

From the pitch-perfect notes of the opening song sung by Dew Princess Kirstin Colliss to the celebratory closing song with Father and Mother (Jacob Brash and Quinn Scott) leading the entire cast, “The Story of Hansel and Gretel” achieved an entertaining sharing of magic, wonder and delight that only children’s theatre can produce.

Director Brian Robertson was noticeably moved when the cast presented him with beautiful thank you cards and dedicated a song to him at the end of the final performance. He thanks everyone – actors, crew, choir and Land O’ Lakes Public School parents and staff – for their support and role in making live children’s theatre such a success in Mountain Grove.