Ross Petty's "Gags to Riches" Holiday hit

Ross Petty is a legendary name in Toronto when it comes to family christmas shows. The veteran star of stage and screen set up his own eponymous production company which have been making what he calls 'Fractured Fairy Tale Musicals' since 2006. Taking their inspiration from the English tradition of pantomimes, these productions offer quirky spins on beloved tales from Snow White to Jack and the Beanstalk, complete with lots of musical numbers, audience participation and of course, a man in drag.

There's slapstick humour for the kids and sly political references for the adults, and the cast is always filled with top draw musical theater talent. This year, Over the Rainbow star Danielle Wade will play the lead role of Cinderella with Patty Sullivan returning to the production, this time as one of the evil step-sisters! Other cast members include Dan Chameroy, Eddie Glen and even Ross Petty himself who will play Cinderella's Evil Step-Mother!

Move over Mermaid, Cinderella's here

Last year's Little Mermaid was the company's best received show yet, and this year they're turning their attention to the story of Cinderella. Petty productions always veer widely of course from the traditional telling of the story, but all Cinderella's classic elements from the glass slipper to the Pumpkin carriage should make an appearance. Perfectly timed to coincide with a new Disney version arriving early 2015, expect this adaptation to have the uglier sisters by a long way.

Did you know?

Past stars include Jake Epstein, who is currently on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.