“Oh, Rapunzel…

You’re naughty…you’re naughty, naughty…”

I'll admit that I borrowed these two sentences from the late Frank Sinatra during his appearance on the '60s game show WHAT'S MY LINE? where his wife, Mia Farrow, was the mystery guest.

Still, these sentences summarize quite well this skewered fairy tale ‘Rapunzel’ now on stage at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre.

It’s naughty.

And so much fun.

There were moments when I nearly fell out of my chair because I was laughing hard.

A reminder to parents who might want to bring children or young people: there are several references and moments where the subject material raises eyebrows and is a tad blue. Do your homework. Ensure you get the family version if you wish for family entertainment.

I opted for the naughty. And I’m glad I did.

‘Rapunzel’ is all good fun. Remember that, please. Playwright Carly Heffernan’s text deliciously lampoons modern references ranging from politics to religion to cultural phenomenon. Don’t get offended. It’s a panto- anything and everything is up to be lampooned. Even Heffernan (from the Northumberland area) says ‘Rapunzel’: “allows people to come together and just laugh with the interactive theatre of the panto. It creates the perfect space for joy and connection to take place.”

Rapunzel (Lia Luz) is bored and lonely in Heffernan's twisted take on the tale. The heroine’s long braided hair is her only attempt to escape from the tower where her guardian, Gothel (Naomi Costain), keeps her hostage. A dim-witted Prince (Caulin Moore) accidentally discovers what’s going on with the young 21 and 2/4-year-old (you’ll get the latter portion of that reference when you see the show.). What follows in this riotous adult take through modern songs and choreography becomes a wildly funny reimagining all set to a score of popular songs and panto traditions.

What should the audience take away from this ‘Rapunzel’? The young heroine discovers within herself the power to accomplish anything she wishes.

There’s so much to admire about this terrific production, which I sincerely hope will sell out soon. It’s worth the drive to Port Hope for this one, folks.

Joe Pagnan's three-dimensional storybook pop-out set design works exceptionally well on the Capitol stage, utilizing every available space. A gilded gold throne is positioned on stage right, complemented by a large storybook placed on a table. Michelle Ramsay's lighting design beautifully enhances the overall stage aesthetic. Additionally, some of Rebecca Chaikin's costumes are gorgeous recreations, particularly the one worn by Stewart Adam McKensy as the narrator.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Thomas Ryder Payne, for the exquisite sound balance between the musicians and performers. I could hear the words of all the songs clearly so that is a bonus!

To the creative team of Director Cherissa Richards, Music Director/Pianist Chris Barillaro, Arranger Jeff Newberry and Choreographer Hollywood Jade, thank you for this year's Christmas gift of laughter, song, and dance.

Richards' direction is well-defined: even in a panto, actors should move with purpose and intent. Although the pacing of a panto should feel brisk, nothing appears rushed. Newberry has created some fantastic arrangements of popular songs. Under Barillaro’s music direction, some of the renditions nearly blow the roof off the Capitol. Mentioning specific titles would spoil the surprise and enjoyment when the characters pause their dialogue to sing. Jade’s slick choreography has been well rehearsed. The performers are in solid unison when they sing and move simultaneously.

This cast is having the time of their lives on that stage. That joy, that energy, that laughter electrically transfers immediately to the audience, who picks up on these vibes and responds in kind.

Stewart Adam McKensy is a hoot as the Narrator and wonderfully satirizes the contentious issue of drag queen story time. Lia Luz is cute as a button, adorable Rapunzel. When she opens her mouth to sing, whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Again, I don’t want to spoil surprises and where they occur, but holy shitballs (borrowed from Michael Bublé), Luz can sing. Caulin Moore is the handsome buff prince in workout gym shorts and a tight black t-shirt. Like Luz, Moore sings and moves with tremendous confidence.

Naomi Costain is a knockout as the witchy Gothel in the tight black dress that reminds me of Morticia Addams. Her transformation near the end made me double-take from my seat in the house. I had to look twice to see if it was her, and it was.

The fine ensemble of Jeremy Lapalme, Christopher Sherwood, Yunike Soedarmasto, and Jennifer Villaverde delivers impressive performances that support the on-stage antics. The opening storytime hour cleverly addresses another contentious issue in our society: gender and animal fluidity. Keep an eye out for Randy and Andy. That’s all I want to say. Revealing any more details would spoil the experience.

“Run to get tickets for the naughty version at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre! Go! Now! Give yourselves a Christmas gift. This eight-member top-notch cast sings and dances with tremendous confidence, wickedly stealing the adoring hearts of the audience.”

Running time: approximately two hours with one intermission.

‘Rapunzel: A MERRY HAIRY HOLIDAY PANTO: The Naughty Version runs until December 22 at the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope.

Please be aware there are family and naughty performances. Check the website to ensure you have purchased tickets for the one you deem fine.

CAMECO CAPITOL ARTS CENTRE presents
Rapunzel: A MERRY HAIRY HOLIDAY PANTO: The Naughty Version by Carly Heffernan

Directed by Cherissa Richards
Music Director (Conductor, Pianist): Chris Barillaro
Arranger: Jeff Newberry (additional by Suzy Wilde)
Choreographer: Hollywood Jade
Set Designer: Joe Pagnan
Sound Designer: Thomas Ryder Payne
Costume Designer: Rebecca Chaikin
Lighting Designer: Michelle Ramsay
Drums, Guitar, Synth: Emry Tupper
Stage Manager: Hannah MacMillan

Performers: Naomi Costain, Jeremy Lapalme, Lia Luz, Stewart Adam McKensy, Caulin Moore, Christopher Sherwood, Yunike Soedarmasto, Jennifer Villaverde