Wizard of Oz: The Panto opens the season at the Huron County Playhouse in Grand Bend on June 7.
Director and Choreographer David Connolly explained panto means they'll take a favourite story, in this case the Wizard of Oz, and ask the audience to be very interactive in a way that furthers the plot.
“They'll cheer the hero, they'll boo the villain, they'll sing along, they'll point us to where we need to be, and we infuse that story with contemporary music," said Connolly. "So we've got music that makes sense to the plot but that you've heard on the radio.”
Connolly says it's fun for the whole family and a great introduction to live theatre.
“Our tornado that comes through Oz is underscored by Rihanna's 'Umbrella' and we've got 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' with Whitney Houston and 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga," he said. "It's fun but it also makes complete sense to the story.”
Wizard of Oz: The Panto runs until June 25 on the Huron Country Playhouse’s South Huron Stage. More information about the play and how to order tickets can be found here.