BWW Reviews: A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS is a New Fun-Filled Family Tradition

A new holiday tradition has begun in Salt Lake City with Lythgoe Family Productions' A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS--a fun-filled event for the entire family. It's the perfect show to introduce young children to live theatre but will easily keep teens and adults entertained with its witty banter and powerhouse vocals.

A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS, written by Kris Lythgoe and directed by Bonnie Lythgoe, is a retelling of the fairy tale with a contemporary twist. The show is performed in the traditional British panto style, with audience members involved in the storytelling by booing for the villains and cheering for the heroes and heroines.

The panto features exceptional covers of popular songs, such as Huey Lewis' "The Power of Love" by David Osmond as Prince Harry and Katy Perry's "Firework" by Amy Whitcomb (THE VOICE) as Snow White. The songs are so well-performed, it is a shame more singing is not included.

Jonathan Meza as the court jester Muddles enlivens every scene he's in. He's a natural, winning comedian and plays well off the audience and the other actors.

Other notable performers include Margo Watson as the Wicked Queen and Dustin Bolt as Herman the Huntsman.

Some star power comes in the form of amusing pre-recorded appearances by SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE co-creator and judge Nigel Lythgoe (in attendance on opening night) as the Magic Mirror and pre-recorded dwarf dialogue by Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka. The seven dwarves, adorably played by local child actors, are a highly amusing addition to the character ensemble.

The production features top-notch choreography by Emmy nominee Spencer Liff, appealing production design, astute humor related to Utah and pop culture, and lots of surprises.

The opening night performance included a few flubbed lines, missed lighting cues, and an imbalanced sound mix during songs, but these did not reduce enjoyment of the show as a whole and have surely since been remedied.

Try something new this holiday season by attending (and participating in) A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS together with your family when you go see the Christmas lights downtown. It's guaranteed to lift your family's spirits and fill you with cheer.

A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS plays through Sunday, December 29 at the Jeanne Wagner Theatre in Salt Lake City. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.arttix.org.

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