The Show: 

Before there was Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, there were two lost young siblings who found a house hidden deep in the woods made out of candy and gingerbread. Being lost and hungry and having a natural affinity for sweets, the kids walk right into the witch’s trap. Where, it turns out, the witch is hungry too. This ancient fairy tale, popularized by the Grimm Brothers, gets a lighter retelling in this fun, fresh musical with book by Vera Morris and music and lyrics Bill Francouer. 

The Production: 

East Valley Children’s Theatre stages this entertaining little fairy tale with its usual high production values under the direction of Emily Mulligan-Ferry. Set Designer Tom Gilseth takes us from the quaint village where the witch is considered a legend meant to scare children, through the forest and into the delicious-looking gingerbread house where the fates of Hansel, Gretel, and the very real witch will be decided. Also awaiting the outcome are several live Gingerbread Cookies – former child victims of the witch who could soon be her next meal, all dressed up in just some of the many enchanting creations by Costume Designer Barbara Jakucki.  

It also features a talented younger cast with a few high school students sprinkled in. Ten-year-old Leonel Gallegos is a highly charismatic and impulsive Hansel. Twelve-year-old Rachel Primrose stars as Gretel, a kind and cautious older sister, and also fairly clever. Good thing, too. As Kelly Nicole clearly enjoys taunting and tormenting her victims as an entertainingly evil witch with a very bad sweet tooth. And an impatient sweet tooth at that, leading to the amusing scene as she gets increasingly irritated with Gretel as the little girl claims confusion as to how exactly an oven works.  

Along the way we meet several other colorful characters. Kylie Burge and Connor Applegarth make a great duo as evil minions Frick and Frack, punctuated by Frick’s hilarious laugh at their boss’s bad jokes. Warning the kids of danger is Erin Ross as an eccentric gypsy. Calvin Mugge’s characterization and use of voice makes for an amusing Troll. Hansel and Gretel’s journey through the forest is eased by the gentle, mesmerizing Dew Princess (Ashlyn Riggs), Owl (Rachel Carder), Echo (Emma Aguirre), and Sandman (Dillon MacLay). Shannon Needham and Quinton Redmond are frustrated and exhausted parents. And the ensemble of villagers and gingerbread cookies do a nice job either celebrating in the village or whipping up a bit of tasty Hocus Pocus.

Rob Hopper
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Executive Director
National Youth Arts

~ Cast ~