‘Puss in Boots’ Promises to Entertain Families at Hudson Village Theatre on its 30th Anniversary
By: Bhavna Patel
Hudson Village Theatre’s annual holiday pantomime, which this year is Ben Crocker’s Puss In Boots, will be equally entertaining for adults and children alike. It’s estimated that 3,500 patrons will gleefully attend the two-hour matinee and evening shows from December 15 through January 7, mostly visiting from Quebec and Eastern Ontario, or beyond.
The Pantomime, or “Panto” for short, is a traditional British comedy incorporating music and dance that is intended for the entire family. Each Panto is based around a well-known fairytale. The tradition found its way to the local Hudson theatre in 2000 via Heather Markgraf-Lowe, the founder of Hudson Village Theatre. Markgraf-Lowe had learned about the Panto tradition while growing up in the UK. She first introduced Panto in Hudson as a Christmas theatre show and from there, the holiday tradition took off. Hudson Village Theatre has since produced 19 Pantos.
The upcoming Puss in Boots Panto revolves around Jack, the Miller’s son, who inherits a cat named Puss in Boots. Puss goes on to develop special powers and tries to help Jack gain fame and fortune, but there are several antagonistic characters who get in the way of Jack’s rewards.
The cast of Puss In Boots.
“To actually give kids permission to stand up and shout at all the actors on stage is priceless. They don’t have to sit there quietly.”
Holiday Pantos are the biggest fundraiser that Hudson Village Theatre hosts each year. From student and adult actors to vocal coaches and choreographers, it’s the donated time from its 66 volunteers that the show is made possible. “It’s wonderful to see volunteers coming to rehearsal on Sundays, Tuesday and Thursdays. That’s a huge commitment for school children,” said Kalina Skulska, Executive Director of Hudson Village Theatre.
As final rehearsals take place for the annual fundraising event, Skulska looks back at just how far the theatre has come. This year marks the establishment’s 30th anniversary – a feat that is not taken lightly by the team. “It’s quite commendable when you think of COVID,” Skulska said. “It really hits you sometimes when I talk to colleagues across the country [...].”
Many theatres were closed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ensuing lockdown had led to show delays, cancellations, and financial strain for many businesses across the country. Creative ways were explored at Hudson Village Theatre to host shows where a minimal cast was required, and where social distancing could still be respected. Skulska notes that it is largely due to the support of the community that the theatre overcame those difficult times. And it is that same community that is helping to keep the Panto tradition thriving in Hudson.
Left to right: Kalina Skulska, Executive Director of Hudson Village Theatre, and Stephen Walters, Director of Puss In Boots.
Directing this year’s show is veteran Panto player, Steve Walters, who previously directed the 2017 Panto, Camelot and 2019 Panto, Treasure Island. This year’s large cast ranges from age 7 to 60. Walters takes great pride in his long time work with the theatre, particularly with the unique dynamics that working with actors of all ages presents in a rehearsal room. “Attention span is what makes it difficult. But I constantly work with them, and get them to understand that listening to what’s going on is the most important part when you’re on stage,” he said. “That and being able to react. You have to be engaged.” Along with all the hard work comes a whole lot of memories and friendships that are made throughout the rehearsal process.
Memories will also be made for show-goers. The event is intended to be an interactive experience where the crowd is encouraged to make a bunch of noise. “To actually give kids permission to stand up and shout at all the actors on stage is priceless. They don’t have to sit there quietly,” Walters said. The show’s actors will also be walking through the theatre’s aisles to meet with the audience. The lively experience will be like no other.
Some attendees buy their show tickets as early as September, while others return for the event year after year. The Panto promises singing, dancing, slapstick comedy, good guys, bad guys, audience interaction, and most importantly, candy give-aways! “It is so different from anything you’ve seen,” Walters said. “I would encourage everybody to come out and see at least one Pantomime.”