Goldilocks and the Three Bears earned top marks for the Heartland Arts Troupe Society (HATS) last weekend at the Stettler Performing Arts Centre.
“The show was very well-received with lots of good audience participation,” said Jane Shepherd, who was assisted by producer Jean Bischke.
“We had lots of excited children and plenty of laughs from everyone of all ages.”
Billed as pre-Christmas production, this version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a British pantomime with a twist on the standard story.
“It’s nice to see that Stettler is discovering that pantomime is for children of all ages,” Shepherd said.
Auntie Septic played by Harry Brook was a big hit for the audience, simply because of the character, said Shepherd, who also played the Wolf.
“Children loved the Big Bad Wolf.”
Christina Carstairs starred in the leading role of Goldilocks with lots of other colourful characters.
Other main characters include Andrea Muhlbach as Tom Tom, Dennis Smyth as Ray, Carson Ellis as Choppit, Zoe Marie Bourdon as Splinter, Wayne Smith as Papa Bear, Tracy Turre as Mummy Bear and Melissa Smith as Baby Bear. Margaret Purdy as Queen Bee accompanied by bees Philippa Brysiuk as Penelobee, Dorothy Hebert as Barnabee, Katie Maxwell as Buzzbee and Felicity Kim Weyner as Wilma Wasp.
Villagers and bears were played by Tim Bertin, Kassidy Boudon, Laura Smith, Natasha Smith, Fran Pidgeon, Wyatt Bischke, Ismay Seyer, Jean Bischke, Brandi Fisher and Kim Hatch.
Shepherd was impressed with the sound and lighting effects produced by David Bakker, who she said “did a fabulous job.”
Overall, she was pleased with all the volunteers and characters who made the production such a huge success.
Behind the scenes, Sara Humphreys and Fran Pidgeon did costuming, Sue Stratulate, Chris Leinweber and Eleanor Bertin were back stage. Also contributing were set designer Glorene Ellis, set builders Blain Chapman and Jim Robertson, set painters Lori Bischke and Malora Lee, make-up and hairstylist Jenna Shepherd and the William E. Hay Composite High School cosmetology class, and “front of the house”with Lori Bishke, Lori Hollett, Teresa Fisher, Maryellen Chapman, Blair Chapman and Betty Smith.