A playful reimagining of the Brothers Grimm classic blends rock ’n’ roll, panto humor and heartfelt performances

By Lucie K. Scheuer for Ashland.news

Once upon a time there was a good witch of the forest named La Befana who badly needed a cup of coffee, and a big bad but lonely wolf who, by his own admission, needed a “mental health professional.” There were also two old codgers who may have gotten lost on the way to the Muppets’ set, and a whole lot of creatures of the forest, (along with a penguin and a goose) who were captured and fell under the spell of a bad witch named Mourioche. 

The only thing missing from this madcap reimagining of the Brothers Grimm’s tale “Hansel and Gretel,” now playing at the Camelot Theatre through the end of the year, is Groucho claiming he shot an elephant in his pajamas. But it’s OK. This story about belonging and reconciliation is fun, zany, witty and full of life. And you should take the kids to see it.

Gwen Overland, Camelot’s artistic director, has taken a somewhat dark but beloved children’s story and has turned into a 90-minute romp, set to some of the best rock ‘n’ roll standards of the 1950s and ’60s.  You will probably recognize the basic premise of the original story, but rather than being abandoned, Hansel and Gretel seem to be running away from an abusive stepparent when they wind up being held captive by a big bad witch. Originally performed in England, Panto creators often rework fairy tales adding plenty of singing, pantomime and audience participation.

The Camelot stage has been transformed by a talented production team including master carpenter Christopher Burkhardt. “CB,” as he is known, has created a variety of sets this year, including scenery for “City of Angels.” The alpine forest is highlighted by muted greens and soft purples which magically blend and marry well with Kate Landon’s lighting design.

There are several catchy, early rock tunes with lyrics somewhat but not always related to the story line.  The words don’t always match the situations, but it’s OK because you’re having fun. Here’s some familiar titles: “Yakety Yak,” “Leader of the Pack,” and “Da Doo Ron Ron,” nicely accompanied by the musical engineering of Karl Iverson.

Andrew Beyer is in his element having designed imaginative costumes from Mourioche’s big puffy pink dress to Jade Chavis’ Dirndl dress.

Nods to Nathan Ynacay, puppet crafter, Shannon Carter, choreographer, Zack Biegel, sound designer and the entire crew.

Sky Valentine plays a spunky, sparkly narrator. Other cast members play various parts on different days. This performance showcased Levi Quinn as Hansel and Opal David as Gretel in most endearing ways. Ryon Lane plays a conflicted wolf  who could use some psychoanalysis. Jade Chavis is a bubbly, La Befana, boisterous and protective. Mason Rudesheim plays Mourioche, the bad witch with her big hair (thank you wig stylist Heather Volkman) and condescending demeanor. The entire cast (of which there are many including a drove of “piglets”) rock the forest with dancing and singing.  

Will the spell over the forest creatures be broken? What will happen to the wicked witch? Will Hansel and Gretel escape? There’s only one way to find out.

“Hansel and Gretel” offers surprises for children and the young at heart. Thank goodness for writer-director Overland’s playful sense of humor and take on this fractured fairytale. We can all use it right now.

Ashland resident Lucie K. Scheuer is a former copy editor and staff writer with the Los Angeles Times, where her work included features, reviews and a column on films in production. Email her at [email protected].