JackMetro Theatre
Jack and the Beanstalk by Johnny Duncan

Dates and Venue 13 December 2013 – 4 January 2014, 7pm (2pm matinees on Dec. 14, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, Jan. 1 and 4) | Metro Theatre, 1370 SW Marine Drive

Reviewer Ed Farolan

Since 1974, Johnny Duncan has directed and acted in Metro Theatre's productions and for the past 11 years, has written, directed and produced the pantomimes. This time, he co-directs it with choreographer Dawn Ewen.

Last December 20th performance was Metro's gift to the Strathcona community where a number of seats were donated to kids and families from the Strathcona neighbourhood so they can come experience theatre. At the end of the show, local fire fighters came to pick up food bank donations.

The cast of 20 talented actors, dancers and singers, adults and children, led by Dame Trott (Roger Kettyls), Fairy Tu Tu (Kayla Heyblom), Demon Distastely (Trent Glukler), and Jack Trott (Katie Purich) kept the audience entertained for three hours. After the show, they waited for the chidren onstage to sign autographs.

Pantomimes are a British family-friendly tradition. They combine a fairy-tale story with silly song and dance numbers, as well as zany characters that interact with the audience.

© 2013 Ed Farolan