Penny has a penchant for pantos
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from January 1998.
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"I'd wanted to do one for years, but nobody would let me," Penny said this week. "Then when I became chairman of the Cayman Drama Society, I gave myself permission."
That first production was Jack and the Beanstalk, told the way few people had seen or heard before. To begin with, Jack was a girl and his/her mother was a man - standard pantomime devices, but unfamiliar to Island audiences.
Then there were the references to places and people in Cayman mixed into the otherwise traditional folk tale. And there was the wonderfully misbehaving cow and a truly magical beanstalk.
With such ingredients Jack and the Beanstalk delighted audiences of all ages, ensuring a warm reception for pantos in years to come. Any number of children's tales and nursery rhymes have been presented since.
Now, one sure sign that a new year has arrived is the rehearsal of village children, another cow, males and females trading role genders. But this time, the production is taking place at Prospect Playhouse, CDS' own home. Are there any other differences?
"In 1981, we had a much bigger bunch of acting members and I had to turn people down," Penny recalled. "This time I had to virtually beg people. I think I have a wonderful cast, but in the beginning they didn't come willingly."
Another difference lies with Penny herself. "I thought because I had done it before, this would be a piece of cake. Silly me," she commented.
In 1981 she had Marilyn Smith to help with the music, Jackie Balls to do the choreography and Wendy Dunlop to produce. This time she is assisted by Sue Horrocks as musical director and Linda Rayner as choreographer. But there is no one to fill the vital role of producer, "so in a way this one has been harder on me," Penny said. "But in another way, I'm enjoying it more because I know what I want and I accept the fact that this is 1998.
"After a scene, some of the cast will ask, 'Aren't you going to direct us?' I just tell them, 'If you're doing what I want, why should I stop you?"
Of course, another big factor in Penny's confident approach this time is that she has the same stage manager-husband Peter.
The title role of Jack is played by Jennifer Ahearn. Jack's girlfriend Alice is Ingrid Ugland. The dame is Martin Tedd.
But who is the giant? And who is/are the cow? Audiences will have the chance to find out starting next Thursday, 15 January. The play runs until 31 January, Thursdays through Saturdays. Curtain time is 7:30 pm.
On the last Saturday, a matinee is scheduled for 2:30 pm. Tickets cost $12.50 for adults, $8.00 for children. Call the ever helpful Omeria at 949-5585 for reservations or further information.
