Band Directing Musical
Top notch professional cast bringing joy and laughter to the Christmas season in every panto.
Client Name
Ottawa Musicals
Release Date
December 20, 2025
Project Types
Music | Directing | Band
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Sarah Cassidy
Producer
In the room where it happens
Panto-monium!
After being invited to play for an equity production of Hansel and Gretel Go West over the Christmas break, I got to see first-hand the work and abilities of folks who do this for a living and it was a marvel to watch a professional show come together in under three weeks.
I was blown away with how fast professionals pick up blocking, music and choreography like fish swimming in water. It was truly awe inspiring to be in the room where it happens.
DId my best to not let them down and earn a paycheque to cover Christmas expenses this year. And not spend too much with my bandmates on beer.
Kudos to all involved on bringing joy to the Christmas season.
Hansel & Gretel Go West
Ottawa Musicals
Winter 2025
Musical Director | Keyboard 1
Ottawa Musicals
Winter 2025
Musical Director | Keyboard 1
OttawaMusicals is back at the Great Canadian Theatre Company with their 9th annual panto—a rollicking family musical adventure inspired by the classic story of Hansel and Gretel, now with a wild west twist! Hidden Valley Ranch is home to a colourful cast of characters: a tough-as-nails sheriff, a whip-smart outlaw called The Kid, a suspiciously charming new farmhand, and a pair of clever kids always ready for mischief.
When a pint-sized bounty hunter with a sweet tooth and a faulty map stumbles onto the ranch, chaos ensues. The kids’ woodland escapades, complete with beavers, bear dung, and plenty of laughs are just the beginning. Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal a shadowy deal between a mysterious new arrival and a certain gingerbread-loving local, whose house might just be the sweetest trap in the valley.
With slapstick humour, toe-tapping songs, and plenty of audience participation, this musical is perfect for the whole family. Join OttawaMusicals at the GCTC for a wild, heartwarming ride through the west—where surprises, silliness, and fun await at every turn!
When a pint-sized bounty hunter with a sweet tooth and a faulty map stumbles onto the ranch, chaos ensues. The kids’ woodland escapades, complete with beavers, bear dung, and plenty of laughs are just the beginning. Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal a shadowy deal between a mysterious new arrival and a certain gingerbread-loving local, whose house might just be the sweetest trap in the valley.
With slapstick humour, toe-tapping songs, and plenty of audience participation, this musical is perfect for the whole family. Join OttawaMusicals at the GCTC for a wild, heartwarming ride through the west—where surprises, silliness, and fun await at every turn!
OMG. I was asked to come aboard this production in the summer. Me. An amateur pianist who's had some small success in community theater productions getting invited to participate in a professional equity profit share paid gig with folks who do this for a living.
Yikes. Better bring my A-game.
One month to learn the music on my own and that magic happen in a 3-week rehearsal sprint before a December 20th opening.
Wow. I was blown away with how fast professionals pick up blocking, music and choreography like fish swimming in water. It was truly awe inspiring.
Was thankful two other solid musicians were part of the band and covered my minor miscues!
Yikes. Better bring my A-game.
One month to learn the music on my own and that magic happen in a 3-week rehearsal sprint before a December 20th opening.
Wow. I was blown away with how fast professionals pick up blocking, music and choreography like fish swimming in water. It was truly awe inspiring.
Was thankful two other solid musicians were part of the band and covered my minor miscues!
