They Said What

Carrie wrote:
GREAT SHOW GUYS! i saw ROBIN HOOD last night and it was amazing.All the actors looked like they were having so much fun onstage! haha, well of course they were.

This would have been my 4th panto and my second time seeing robin hood! this time was AMAZING. Maid Marian had an AMAZING voice, and Nurse Plumbum was HILLARIOUS!!!!! But i would have to say my favirote character was Jacques Le Rock! he was so funny and his accent (i know its not fake..) was sooo cute!!!!!! keep on having fun, AND beeing funny pass along a hello to the stars! Carrie

Aly wrote:
Hello everybody, I am 13 years old and have been coming to your productions since I was six years old. I have gone up on stage at the end of the show twice during my years and have loved it!

I was very sad as last year i could not make Cinderella because all the tickets were sold out! However this year I had the chance to go see your newest production Robin Hood with my class! You engage your audenices like no other show and touch on current events that kids my age can relate to! Excellent song choices and I hope that you continues to preform, because ill continue to come! Thank you very much!

MW wrote:
You did it again my friend! The fun that families have when attending your holiday show was once again so evident on the faces of both the children and adults.

The Thriller scene was obvioulsy very appealing to all as the audience was dancing in their seats and also have to mention all the great "jabs" as various headliners over the past weeks have given you lots of ad lib content to amuse. Nurse PlumBum was extremely funny and Eva Avila as Maid Marion so so sweet including awesome vocals. You...the perfect villan. This was the best show yet...but then we said that last year too. Getting better with age.Can't wait until next year already.

Lorraine wrote:
I just spent a wonderful evening with my kids, ages 12, 14 and 23...we spent it laughing, singing and having a great time. I've always wanted to take them to see a pantomime as it's something we did as kids in England,

unfortunately, we haven't been able to afford to go in the past. This year however, I was lucky enough to win tickets to the show and what a treat it was. The cast was hilarious, the singing was amazing and Ross Petty was the perfect villain. Thank you so much for a memory that we will always treasure. I'm sure my kids will remember this for years to come. Hopefully we'll be able to save up and do it again next year. Thanks to all who had a part in the production of "Robin Hood" you all deserve a standing ovation.

Sincerely Lorraine

CINDERELLA, 2008

We voted.. and decided that this was your best year ever! Thank you ... Thank you.... Thank you!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see you all again next Christmas! Ross... please don't ever stop- this is such a special Christmas treat for all! Merry Christmas to everyone.

Marnie

I'm a 15 year old girl from Toronto, Ontario. For the past 3 years, my family and I have seen your productions Aladin in 2006, Peter Pan in 2007 and this year's Cinderella. I really enjoyed each and everyone of them and so have my parents. They are great because you take all of my favorite classic stories and put comedy and a twist to them to make it more interesting.

The good thing about them is that there is a balance of kid humour and adult humour (which I am beginning to understand)! And not to mention the great singers. I also like the fact that there are also some returning actors, such as Eddie Glen. He is amazing! Keep up the good work and can't wait till next year's performance.

Melissa

"Two wands up!!" were my 10 yr old daughters first words when the curtain went down Thursday night. Her 17 and 14 yr old sisters may have enjoyed the performance even more then she did! (could it be similarities they saw in the Botox household of sisters to their own..??...!!) They/we laughed all the way home up the 404 (and still are) ~ it was absolutely brilliant!

Bravo everyone ~ costumes, staging, lighting, dialogue, delivery and absolutely last but not least, perfect ponies and who knew Blair could be such a regal coachman : )It was an absolutely delightful evening, thank you so very, very much

Thank You!!
Mary

I have been going to Pantomime since I was four years old back in Ireland as my Mum was very involved in the acting circuit there. In the past few years here in Toronto I've started taking my nieces, nephews and cousins and they've always enjoyed the night out. (I do this in lieu of Christmas presents) This years Cinderella was, from an adult perspective, the funniest I've ever enjoyed myself at the same time.

The costumes, scenery and script was all excellent and I must give an extra thanks to the Ugly Sisters who still have me laughing three days later and whenever I see your poster around town. It was a tonic to laugh so much - thank you.

This past Friday I came to see the show and was I ever impressed and delighted. Easily one of the most entertaining, exciting and creative pieces of theatre I have ever seen. My mom and I came to see this production being avid fans of the cast members from Degrassi, knowing it would be fabulous to see them on stage, however we were skeptical on what this show would entail! Would it be a silly kids show like most? We were quite wrong, we found ourselves laughing and having the best time. Were we ever amazed, what a fantastic, talented and cheerful cast!

A very well-deserved standing ovation was displayed by us- we were just beaming with joy and satisfaction! I would like to thank you all so much for providing me with such a fun and pleasant overall experience. After the production, we walked past the stage door entrance and happened to meet Paula Brancati and Jake Epstein. It was so lovely to meet and talk to these wonderful, talented people, who I admire and idolize very much. They were extremely friendly and genuinely nice. You are very lucky to have them part of your cast! Best wishes to you all; good luck on the rest of your performances! I am sure they will provide the audience with as much joy as your first performance provided me with.

Happy Holidays everyone!!
Alison

Daniel wrote:

Dear Ross and Brilliant Cast of Cinderella.

Last Friday I attended my first "Ross Petty" annual show at the Elgin, with my wife who is clearly a Cinderella expert as witnessed by her verbatim singing of songs from the Disney classic. Wow..was she surprised as to what transpired on stage! It was nothing like Disney!! Yet, the show we watched was magically brilliant in so many ways. The writing was superb, the actors were boundlessly talented--esp. Bertha and her darling daughters. It was so nice to see such a talented cast of Canadian talent, having so much fun doing what they obviously love to do.

We attended as guests of one of my vendors, and since we don't have children, I was a bit apprehensive if this was going to be the show for us. I now wonder why we didn't see the shows from the past years--what have we missed? Being in the front row added to the energy of the show I'm sure, but the preview performance was something memorable and I'll never think of Cinderella the same way as before I walked into the Elgin on Friday night. Bravo and best wishes on your run through January 4th.

Daniel

Peter Pan, 2007

Jenine wrote:
Hello to the Cast and Crew!

I just came from the matinee show of Peter Pan and I can't get the smile off my face.

For many years since I caught a TV special of one of your many earlier shows Mr. Petty, I have begged, pleaded, whined, basically every trick in the kid book to convince my Mom to take us kids to see your show.

Well this year, Mom took us, her 24 and 20 year old daughters to see the show for a Christmas present. I've waited a long time to see a Ross Petty live show and Peter Pan was the best!

To the cast and crew you have done an amazing job! I don't think I could get my cheering and applauding loud enough for you to understand what a magical afternoon you gave me. For a couple of hours, a debt ridden university graduate forgot her worries and was kept so entertained I didn't want the show to end.

Mr. Browning and Mr. Petty you two stole the show and made me feel like a kid again, so thanks again Peter Pan and Captain Hook! I wish I could thank everyone individually for their part in the show, but hopefully this letter will convey to you how much fun I had.

Needless to say Peter Pan has become my favorite present of the holidays! I am desperate to get a DVD copy of the show because I wish I could keep the fun and laughter with me all year round. Congratulations on a magnificent show and have a fun filled New Year for I will never forget this show! BRAVO!

Sincerely,
Jenine

Margaret wrote:

To Ross Petty, Kurt Browning and the Cast of Peter Pan:

My husband and I went to see Peter Pan December 28th and thoroughly enjoyed the show - a lot of laughs and fun - a change from all the violent programs of today.

I have been a fan of Kurt Browning since he was a teenager and have taped skating since then. I have every program Kurt has ever done and he has got to be the best skater in the world today - I have seen and taped them all..

To see him on stage in roller blades doing the same moves he does on the ice was amazing. He is perfect for the role and I'm so happy you chose Kurt to play Peter Pan. He is a born entertainer and there is nothing Kurt couldn't do, I'm sure of that.

Thank you for a wonderful evening of entertainment, laughter and joy.

Bravo and a happy new year to you all
Margaret

Lisa from Stouffville wrote:

To the cast and crew:

Yesterday, while fighting the crowds at the Eaton Centre my daughters and I bought tickets to the evening performance. I must say, almost immediately I was worried. My daughters are 14 and 10, and I was worried it would be too young for them. Was I wrong.

What a great show. We laughed, we sang we clapped...we even danced!! The girls loved it, and so did I. The show was wonderful and I will be telling everyone I know to see it before Jan 6.

Thank You!!
Lisa /Stouffville

Dr. M. Wong wrote: (wrong letter update this with his letter)

My family and I just recently saw a weekend performance of your Peter Pan Musical and I have to say that you had all of us in stitches. Kurt Browning and yourself were truly amazing and once the final curtain came down, the first thing to come out of my daughter's mouth was " That was amazing!!!.

I want to see this show again !!! " She has seen Cats and Phantom of the Opera in the last six months and I think your show captured her heart the most. My wife and I particularly enjoyed the quick humour and the pace of the show as well as the numerous musical pieces. Bravo for a well done show , top to bottom. We are hoping that Aladdin returns soon !!

Best Regards,
Dr. M. Wong
PS We are seeing your Peter Pan Musical AGAIN just a few days before Christmas and we are bring another family with us. Thanks, Again for a great show !!

Diane wrote:

Mr Petty,

I took my 94 year young mother to see Peter Pan amongst what felt like 10,000 children. It was a delight! Thank you and the very talented cast.

Merry Christmas.

K. Smith from Cobourg, Ont.,wrote:

Hello,

I attended last Friday evening. The real truth is in the reaction of the audience - and if the reaction by last Friday's show was any indication, please keep having fun! Loved it - and you know, I bought the tickets in ... May?

While on Ticketmaster for something else ... (I believe Josh Groban or Il Divo - either who would be extraordinary guests on Gotta Skate....). I had no real expectations - my husband and I went - and laughed. And laughed, oh and a bit of chuckling too!

Thank you all for making such a fun evening of a trip to the city!

K. Smith Cobourg, Ont.

Jeff wrote:

To Ross Petty,

I work at Aviva and attended your show with my family yesterday. Of course the kids really enjoyed it, but I was surprised to find out how much I really enjoyed it. It was very funny and the music was great too. I will be making a point to take my family to future Ross Petty holiday productions. I have also sent an email to a large group of my friends and have recommended that they attend the show with their families over the holidays as well.

Aladdin, 2006

D.McNeill from Streetsville,Ontario wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your brilliant show, for both young and old in this year's Aladdin! Last year we were lucky enough to see Snow White and the Group of Seven and decided from that moment on that we would make it a family Christmas tradition to see your show in Toronto every year. We look forward to next year's performance of Peter Pan and will continue to tell all our friends about the truly hilarious antics of Mr. Petty and his brilliant cast.

Ed & Tara from Vancouver wrote:
To the Cast,

My wife and I saw Aladdin on the final day in Vancouver and as big football fans and BC Lions season ticket holders we skipped the West Final to see the matinee of this stellar production. A fantastic afternoon of wonderful entertainment. I hope to see Aladdin back in 2007. Simply awesome!

Jimmy, Edmonton wrote:

Dear Ross,

When I found out that Aladdin was coming to Edmonton, I was extremely thrilled. My brother, sister and I bought our tickets 2 months in advance. My brother, my sister, and I are 20, 28, and 25 years old respectively. On the night of the play, I found out that it wasn't the "Disney" broadway show. We were all dissappointed and thought that Aladdin was by Disney. Being frustrated and annoyed, I thought I wasn't going to enjoy the production...Boy was I WRONG!

This has got to be the most entertaining and FUNNY production I've ever seen in my life. I VERY MUCH enjoyed watching the play...it was SUPER amazing. I loved it so much, we all loved it so much. The company was great, the singing was great, and the acting was excellent. All of us talked about the play for hours after we watched it. Thanks very much for coming to Edmonton. Next time Ross Petty Production is in Edmonton, I am definitely going to catch it! The play was all worth it! Have a great Happy Holiday.

Jimmy, Edmonton

Dharlene from Ottawa wrote:

Dear Mr Petty

I can not Thank You enough for the fun and laughter which filled our evening not only last night but the entire day today! I'm sure it will continue for some time to come. My first born Grand-daughter Taylor as well as her father, my son Brandon and my youngest daughter Anna-Maria attended. All I kept asking is how the wrestling ring could be incorporated into the play.....It couldn't have fit better!

Hee Hee!

I for one knew your last visit was in 1989. You will never know how your fun-loving attitude allowed me to openly enjoy my son's youth! and seeing it through his eyes!!!

Sharing laughter with our three generations last evening is one of the Blessings I'll treasure forever! Thank you doesn't cover it. However at (I can't believe I'm going to admit this ....) Fifty this December 10th, please don't wait another eighteen years!

Grateful in Greely
Dharlene, Ottawa

Snow White and the Group of Seven, 2005

Karen from Toronto wrote:

Hi Mr. Petty,

Snow White's your best production yet. Lots of family fun from start to finish. I don't know who laughed more...my 63 year old mother or my 7 year old son. At one point I had tears running down my face I laughed so hard. My father clapped along, my husband booed and cheered. Even my two teenagers joined in all the fun.

At the end, my third child, Kaspar, whose 10th birthday we were celebrating turned to me and said "Let's come back again next year." It was our 3rd Ross Petty production and won't be our last. Look for us next year front row gallery on the 22nd.

Karen, Toronto

Marilyn from Brampton wrote:

Elgin Theatre Cast,

This was our family's first Ross Petty production. We have been wanting to go for a few years, but this is the first time. Our two daughters just loved the show.

They laughed so hard and could not stop talking about it on the ride home. My husband was pleasantly surprised - he really enjoyed the show. We can honestly say, it was the most enjoyable theatre production we've been too. We will not miss any future shows - we' re truly looking forward to the next one!

Marilyn, Brampton

Happy New Year,

My family and I have been coming out every winter to the Elgin theatre to see your productions - from Peter Pan to this year's Snow White - and we tremendously enjoy each and every fractured fairy tale you perform. Which is exactly why we always beg to see the show again!

The music was upbeat and your show made our family's last day of the old year one of the most enjoyable. The jokes were written on so many different levels of humor that kids, teenagers and adults could enjoy them! (one of my personal favourites was the master card commercial and Pop's Scottish personality. But all the jokes were funny anyways) Overall the the best so far. Expect to see us next year!"

Joseph - Aged 13 (and family)

Aladdin, 2004

Lynn wrote:
To the Company,

Just a wee note to let on to the powers that be, that we absolutely loved your production this year. My children are 8 and 6 year's old, they were at the edge of their seats for half the play waiting for the next time you were going to make them laugh. My husband and I loved it as well. They are still referring to a funny episode in their lives as, "Weenie and Beans would say that!!!

Debbie from Niagara Falls wrote:

Hi To the Cast,

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed Aladdin. The children couldn't stop talking about it on the way home on the bus. The adults were laughing at how you tied each song in with what was happening. Fantastic! I will be definitely planning another bus load for the next production in December 2005.

Bonnie from Toronto wrote:

Mr. Petty,

Just loved your production of Aladdin. Everyone around us was giggling and having a great time. This is our family's second year and we plan to make it a yearly event. That includes all 18 of us.

Thanks for making our Christmas so special. Just wish everyone knew how much fun it is for the whole family and great to be able to enjoy something together and wonderful for the children to experience live theatre. It is a moment not soon forgotten. My husband could not stop laughing at Ross Petty's character. Just totally enjoyable. Thank you so much for all your efforts.

Bonnie, Toronto

Have something to say? Here's your chance..

ROBIN HOOD 2009

CINDERELLA, 2008

Peter Pan, 2007

Aladdin, 2006

Snow White and the Group of Seven, 2005

Aladdin, 2004