“You’re going to see big, bold characters and a creepy Christmas story.”

It’s dark and gothic… Not the usual premise for a Christmas story but, when it comes to a panto at Meacham’s Dancing Sky Theatre, convention is tossed out the window. Franken-Panto is an original story that’s a mash-up of Frankenstein and The Gingerbread Man. The twisted tale came from a partnership with Wide Open Children’s Theatre.

Actor Crispi Lord with her Franken-Panto puppets. (Britainy Zapshalla)

“Most Christmas stories are actually ghost stories. We’re always looking for a new place to take the panto to keep it fresh for our audiences,” says director Angus Ferguson. “Crispi (Lord) thought both Frankenstein and The Gingerbread Man are the same story in a way so we ran with it.”

Crispi Lord is the artistic director and head puppet wrangler of Wide Open Children’s Theatre. Her puppets have brought many Dancing Sky Theatre shows to life. In early November Wide Open staged a version of the story for kids in Saskatoon. Now, Lord and the creative team are relishing the chance to expand the story with a show that will enterain the whole family. The tale introduces us to Frank N. Stein, a baker who wants to be the most beloved in all the land and make one cookie to please everybody.

(l-r) Kevin Moxley and Joshua Beaudry or Frank N. Stein and Igor, on a mission to bake the perfect cookie. (Britainy Zapshalla)

“Things don’t go exactly as planned and the giant gingerbread cookie comes to life and takes over the town,” says Lord. “You’re going to see big, bold characters and a creepy Christmas story. We’re going to get you in on the fun.”

This production will see the return of panto regulars like Lord, Joshua Beaudry and Blaine Hart as well as newcomers Katelyn Ressler and Kevin Moxley.

“We get to make our own rules in this show and it’s so fun to play with each other and the audience,” says Moxley. “This is all about play with each other and the audience. We get to break the fourth wall, talk to the crowd, and improvise. It’s like walking on a tightrope each time…Scary but fun.”

While the spooky vibe may be a bit off the Christmas track, the spirit of this show is fully in the holiday spirit.

“It’s all about heart,” says Ferguson. “That Christmas isn’t about making things perfect, it’s about being together. We can’t wait for the audience to come and join the fun.”