Glass Slipper Follies

How many ways can the Cinderella story be told? I bet you've never seen it panto. First introduced in England in 1717, a traditional British pantomime isn't silent. It's an interactive form of theater with songs, jokes and lots of slapstick as the audience cheers for the hero and hisses at the villain. With roots in commedia dell'arte, panto is known for its stock roles, including the Dame, a comic, larger-than-life character always played by a man. The Principal Boy (gotta be the prince) is always played by a woman. Why? It's panto! The stepmother is wicked, the good fairy watches and grants wishes, and a ghost pops up. Why? It's panto! This holiday season, Theatre Britain brings its panto version of Cinderella to Dallas. Intended for all ages, the show especially appeals to children, who love the slapstick and the opportunity to boo at the bad guy. Tickets are $6 for children, $12 for seniors and $15 for adults. The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday through December 22 at the Trinity River Arts Center, 2600 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 180. Call 972-490-4202.
Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 26, 2:30 p.m. Starts: Nov. 24. Continues through Dec. 22