By Jessica Wind (The Cascade) – Email
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
by Don Zolidis
Directed by: Colleen Plenert, UFV
Running Time: 60 minutes
Show Times: Saturday at noon and Sunday at 9:30 in the theatre
Memorable lines: (following the tune of a popular Disney song)
“We can’t use that song, The Mouse will sue you”
Warning: mild drug use, suitable for high school age and up
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon is chock full of laughs for everyone. Taking stabs at traditional fairy tale structure and contemporary society, the Spectaculathon attempts to perform all 209 original Grimm fairy tales in one cohesive narrative and bring the audience along for the shenanigans.
From the entrance on stage to the final moments, the show was fast paced entertainment. UFV students Beth Gasser and Brandon Mindel exploded on stage and introduced the audience to what was about to transpire. The fourth wall was repeatedly shattered as both took turns narrating elements of the story while Corryn Ginter, Luke Stevens and UFV alumni Dylan Schroeder took turns playing a variety of characters.
Memorable moments included the audience participation during Hansel and Gretel as well as Dylan Schroeder embracing the roles of nearly all the characters of Cinderella. The set was simple and dynamic in order to serve all the different stories. Actors were dressed in black, donning hats, wigs scarves and other simple pieces when their characters called for it. Sound and lighting were used minimally, but effectively.
All in all the show was a workout of a comedy that can be enjoyed by fairy tale lovers, comedy seekers and anyone in between.
