If you've ever been squeamish about bringing a squirmy little one to a live performance, now's your chance to banish those fears.
Proper etiquette at British panto – an exaggerated form of theater usually performed during the Christmas holiday season – includes booing the villains, cheering for the hero, hissing the bad guys and generally talking back to the actors on stage. Perfect. Each year, the Fremont Players stage a different panto. This year's fare is Peter Pan, at the cavernous Hale's Ales Palladium. The Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra offers up lively, kazoo-studded music.
Kids are encouraged to sit up front on the "magic carpet"; they can also join the rest of the crowd on folding chairs. Captain Hook sets the over-the-top tone right away, asking who's ever been to British panto. When a few yell out affirmatives, he sneers, "Oh, no, you haven't," prompting a raucous audience response of: "Oh, yes, we have!"
The show appeals to kids of all ages; we saw the full gamut from toddlers on up. Several kids jumped to their feet and rushed the stage shouting, "Look out!" when the evil crocodile tries to sneak up behind Nurse Nana Lilybottom and her charge, Michael Darling. My 6-year-old son especially got into the call and response and had a grin plastered on his face for most of the show. Adults will appreciate the bawdy humor (nothing too risqué), cross-dressing actors and puns.
Another bonus for adults: You can quaff one of Hale's brews (or a glass of wine) during the show, which runs about an hour and a half with one 10-minute intermission. Snacks on offer are aplenty, with brats, dogs and BBQ, candy and $1 bags of popcorn. After the show, actors come around with a platter of cookies and mingle with the kids.
Doors open half an hour before show time. There's a smallish fenced lot (beware some mega potholes) just beyond the Palladium toward Fred Meyer, or look for street parking.
IF YOU GO
Where: Hale’s Ales Palladium, 4301 Leary Way N.W., Seattle.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, Jan. 7 and Jan. 14 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 at 1 and 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults $12, seniors and children $6; tickets at the door or online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.
Contact: 206-605-3679; www.fremontplayers.com.
Lynn Schnaiberg is a Seattle-based freelance writer and mother of two.
