Hansel and Gretel production coming to Steinbach
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Storytellers Entertainment is closing out its successful 2025 season with the tale of Hansel and Gretel, following its productions of Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular in March and the musical Peace, Love and Cupcakes in May.
“Given the time of season we just felt like Hasel and Gretel has that kind of whimsical feel to it, but also a bit of eeriness to it as well, which we found fitting for the fall season,” said director Devon Littlejohn and founder of Storytellers Entertainment.
The story of Hansel and Gretel begins when the siblings are sent into the woods where they meet an arrogant troll guarding his bridge, a wisecracking owl, a mischievous forest sprite, and two hobgoblins named Frick and Frack, who serve a nasty and hilarious witch. Tremble as Hansel is locked in a cage and fed nothing but fudge and cake and cheer as Gretel outwits the crone to free all the lost children who’ve been turned into cookies, states the press release for the production.
Ironically, the play was to debut years ago, but COVID hit and the play was shelved.
The show will feature 18 local performers some of whom have appeared in previous Storyteller Entertainment productions. Playing Hansel is Kellen Drain, playing Gretel is Nadia Tymchen, the Witch is played by Ruth Reimer, comic relief characters Frick and Frack are played by Jacob and Henry Coffey, the arrogant troll is played by Sin Dauphinais, the wisecracking owl is played by Eliana Gomez (who appeared in Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular and Peace, Love and Cupcakes), and the mischievous forest sprite is played by Kloe Giesbrecht.
Littlejohn said Nadia brings a sense of cheerfulness, a very warm demeanor, and a confidence, which fits Gretel to a tee. While Kellen is new to acting, he gives a more natural delivery to his performance.
Audiences may remember Reimer from the Anne of Green Gables production where she played Marilla Cuthbert; Inspector Lestrade in Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular; and Mrs. Ludwig in Peace, Love and Cupcakes.
“Ruth is funny, loud, boisterous, the rest of the cast and crew love working with her. No matter what role she gets put in, be it big or small, she always gives it 110 percent,” said Littlejohn, who noted that Reimer was cast as the Witch during the first consideration of Hansel and Gretel.
Littlejohn hopes the experience will have audiences engrossed in a magical lighthearted story. He said the character of Gretel is someone kids can look up to as she is resourceful, confident, and brave, and that no matter how many situations she gets put into, “she always figures out a way to pull through in the end.”
The director said there is a surprise in store for audiences.
“The witch is pretty devious and wicked. Depending on how the audience reacts to her during her scene, who knows, the witch might have something to say, wink wink.”
While Littlejohn is still considering what his line up will be in 2026, he said a musical is definitely on the books.
“As a director who (has) already done a few plays, I think I want to challenge myself for the shows that I put on and a musical is a slightly different process. With plays…there’s a lot more steps and in many ways a lot more work that has to go into it, but you know what? I like a challenge. I love the thrill of putting on these plays and giving people the opportunity to act on stage.”
Curtain rises on Hansel and Gretel at Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Pat Porter or online atzeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/hansel-and-gretel-november—2025.