Ross Petty Productions

Watching Kurt Browning’s farewell performance on CBC’s Stars on Ice TV special last week, I became emotional thinking about our final Panto last winter, but at the same time remembering how happy I was that Kurt had the courage to play Peter Pan in my 2007 production. Not only did he switch to roller blades but he made his singing debut as well! Happy retirement my friend and congrats on bringing so much joy to families over all the years! .on.ice

Backstage photos PeterPan in Wonderland 2015

‘Tis the season! After 25 years of live shows at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, it’s hard to believe that there won’t be a Panto this winter. I so appreciate all the people that have reached out to say that they’ll be missing the zaniness but I hope that the photos I’ll post over the month of December will bring back some festive memories

Toronto….you have to see ! One of the finest theatrical experiences I’ve enjoyed in a very long time. Come for the Roy Orbison songs, and be amazed at how they’ve been integrated into the heart wrenching story by author and director . Pretty Woman is a real surprise! leads an extraordinary cast and this show deserves to be on Broadway soon. Loved sharing it with .karen and meeting backstage. Closes November 12. See it!!

Opening night SIX Hot performances. Audience loved it!

More SWAN SONG red carpet memories .karen .mcmullan
Another red carpet awaits for this lovely film at the BFI London Film Festival in October.

Great to catch up with Panto alums
performing at last night’s event. Chilina starred in Little Mermaid and Adam starred in Aladdin and Cinderella at the Elgin Theatre. Chilina has gone on to Broadway success and Adam’s been the Artistic Director of the Charlottetown Festival for a decade. Wonderful singing as well from . Thanks to for putting on a great show.

Had a great time at Canary Night in support of . have braved all odds to create their versatile new space on the Danforth. .karen and I wish them great success for their
exciting season beginning in a few weeks.

Our relationship has come full circle. It began at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (behind us) in 1982 (Sweeney Todd), and continues on the red carpet for KK’s film .karen

Great to see at tonight’s celebratory dinner in advance of Saturday’s world premiere of SWAN SONG . Had asked Neve to star in a Panto a while back, but Hollywood Screamed! Neve and .karen did a full day of PR for the film today. Excited for tomorrow!

❤️

KK off to an early morning Toronto International Film Festival Press Event to announce the premiere of SWAN SONG, the documentary that followed her from early rehearsals of her brand new Swan Lake through to opening night.karen honoured to be part of this exciting project

Hard to believe that is closing today. We loved it in previews only a few short months ago and thought that Susan Stroman did some of her best work as director/choreographer. Glad for making her B’way debut. There will be many more opportunities for this talented young Canadian.

So glad to have finally seen Tony winner for Best Musical . It’s a sensational production with a stellar cast. A sold out house tonite but there are a few seats left before it closes Aug. 20. .karen and I love being back where Karen first met me playing Sweeney Todd followed by our early Panto productions at this beautiful venue.

Love this photo .karen . During the early 70’s Rudolf gave an extraordinary presence with his . He adored Karen and opened the world for her as his onstage partner.

With the passing of Patrick Rose on Canada Day, this country lost one of its premier entertainers and a terrific human being. I first heard Pat’s name in 1972 with the legendary production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris at Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre where Pat appeared in the illustrious company of Brent Carver, Ann Mortifee, Leon Bibb and Ruth Nichol. Soon thereafter, I was cast in a production of Brel at Theatre Calgary with Michael Burgess, Diane Stapley and Erika Petersen. Brel brought Pat and I together when we appeared in a Manitoba Theatre Centre version of the show in 1973 with Judy Lander and Jackie Cronin. Pat’s powerful performance anchored our company and I’ll always remember his searing rendition of Amsterdam that closed Act One. A year later our cast returned to Winnipeg for a Brel concert with the Winnipeg Symphony. What a joy to perform those iconic songs backed by a full orchestra. Pat’s talent was furthered as a writer and his musical A Bistro Car on the CNR played in several Canadian cities as well as an off-Broadway production which introduced a young Tom Wopat (TV’s Dukes of Hazzard), as a future musical theatre star.
Pat’s self-deprecating humour was infectious and with his trusty guitar by his side, he was adored by the many musical theatre lovers who attended his classes at the Avenue Road Arts School in partnership with the talented David Warrack.
Pat’s generous spirit and joyful demeanour was a gift he shared with everyone he met and he will be truly missed. Condolences to Pat’s loving wife Sue and his family.

Great to see 2 of my Panto stars and . Robert played the lead in Lil’ Red Robin Hood and Alex was Peter Pan in our farewell Peter’s Final Flight last December. Have a great run gentlemen! Really enjoyed the production with .karen.

Panto peeps opening night who was the associate choreographer of Rent. What a blast!

Great to see Panto queen after her long run . An amazing talent.

Look forward to seeing Panto alums in . Graham starred in Pantos Snow White and Robin Hood and Cyrus starred as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

Tonight’s opening of Spamalot was the most hilarious show I’ve seen in years. It will be a huge hit for the Festival. So proud of 21 year Panto veteran Eddie Glen at the top of his game.

Meeting of the minds artistic director with artistic director emerita .karen at opening

Reunion of Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Smee from 2015 production . Great to meet up with so many Panto alums

Hook meets up with ex-wife Helga Hook and current wife .karen and Helga’s current husband All’s Well at opening

KK and I loved A Little Night Music . Great cast singing Sondheim’s fabulous score with a full orchestra. Join for a weekend in the country. Plumbum and Hook were at the stage door looking for autographs.

KK and I got our next booster today….our 6th shot. Several friends have recently been hit. Too much complacency. Be careful out there.

Loved today! Proud of my long time Panto writer and for all the hard work that went into this very moving piece of theatre. Worth the drive to Hamilton before it closes May 6. Great to meet and who starred as Maggie.

Proud and delighted for going on as the Phantom in tonight’s closing performance of ! Laird played the prince in my 1999 Panto Cinderella . After appearing in Phantom in Toronto, Laird joined the Broadway company and I can’t imagine how excited he must be playing the title role in the longest running show that has run for 35 years to audiences over 20 million in New York. Congratulations Laird! Enjoy!

Great to re-unite with dear friend while she’s in Toronto shooting a TV pilot. Donna’s on a roll having just received rave reviews for Jerry Herman’s Dear World in NYC. She also plays Mrs. Astor in the hit HBO series . .karen and I are delighted for her most recent successes.

Back from NYC where I caught up with Panto alum Tyley Ross who played Aladdin in 1998 with me as Abanazeer.
Tyley’s now a sought after vocal coach in Manhattan.

Loved seeing Fosse choreo again!

Happy Easter Monday!

Jenny and I watching the Oscars. Her favourite part was seeing the Co***ne Bear. Mine was seeing win for Women Talking screenplay supported by

Remembering my dear friend on his birthday. For many years Shawn and his beloved wife would visit .karen and me in Toronto for New Year’s and take in the Panto. Miss you Shawnee.

In recovery mode after final Panto. Next shot….fully recovered.

Loved our Nevisian holiday! Many thanks for sharing paradise.

Happy Friday!

Love our hosts Roger and amazing garden. Roger’s the star fruit king!

Help! It’s me King Charles. A wicked sorcerer has imprisoned me in this tree. Only a kiss from the good fairy Plumbum will release me.

Aptly named Monkey-no-climb tree. In Canada known as Plumbum-traps-boyfriend tree