“Rapornzel” reviewed by Frank Meccia

A Naughty, Merry Holiday Panto for Grown-Ups

*** If you think you know the tale of Rapunzel, think again. Pride Arts Center’s new holiday production Rapornzel—written by Tom Whalley and performed at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre—is a hilariously irreverent, proudly queer, adults-only twist on the classic fairy tale. What unfolds over two hours is a cheeky, glitter-splashed panto packed with double entendres, audience shout-outs, cross-dressing, and big holiday energy.
Before the show even begins, many audience members may learn, as I did, that “panto” is its own unique theatrical tradition. A staple of British holiday culture, pantomime blends slapstick, musical numbers, camp humor, and active audience participation. You’re encouraged—no, required—to boo the villain, cheer for the hero, yell “He’s behind you!”, and generally behave as though you’ve stepped inside a bawdy bedtime story. Pride Arts embraces the format fully, and the audience, clearly delighted, jumped right in.
Whalley—who has delivered Pride Arts’ holiday productions for the past five years—leans into every panto convention with gusto in Rapornzel. Our golden-haired heroine, Rapornzel, is played with charm and wide-eyed sass by Hannah Efsits, locked away in her tower after being stolen as an infant from her flustered father, King Merkin, portrayed with comedic warmth by Dave Kelch. The King’s quest to find his daughter sparks the adventure, leading us through a kingdom full of ridiculous characters and increasingly silly obstacles.
Guiding us through the madness is Jeremy Cox as Fairy Dandruff, a sparkling, sharp-tongued narrator who keeps the audience on track—reminding us exactly when to groan, hiss, or warn someone to “look behind you!” Cox’s delivery is quick, quippy, and perfectly tuned to panto style.

Every fairy tale needs its villain, and Rapornzel gets a great one in Gina Cioffi as Mother “F”—a wicked witch with a wickedly funny streak. Cioffi’s performance is a highlight; she leans into the camp, the nastiness, and the over-the-top theatrics that make the audience love hating her.
Rounding out the cast is the duo that keeps this kingdom’s hair high and the comedy higher: Dame Fancy Follicle, played with delightful flamboyance by Peter Moeller, and her child, Pascal, portrayed by Charlotte Harris.. They pair up with the earnest Prince—played by Bryan Fowler—to help free Rapornzel and set right the kingdom’s fairy-tale chaos.Director Claire Hart Proepper deserves great credit for maintaining a brisk pace while letting the cast’s personalities shine. Panto can easily become chaotic, but here the ensemble feels synchronized, energized, and unified in tone.
The production also benefits from a standout visual design. Jonathan Berg-Einhorn’s scenic design turns the intimate Hoover-Leppen space into a living storybook, with scenic pieces that unfold like turning pages. It’s clever, whimsical, and perfectly scaled for the theatre.
And because this is Pride Arts, the costumes shine just as brightly as the jokes. Shawn Quinlan’s costume design is fabulously bold, colorful, and full of queer theatrical flair—simply “fantastic,” as expected.
If you’re looking for a traditional holiday show, keep walking. Rapornzel is proudly adult (recommended 16+), proudly queer, and packed with risqué humor. But if you’re ready for something silly, subversive, and joyfully over-the-top, this might be the most fun you have all season.
Performance Dates:
Fri, Dec 5 – 7:30pm
Sat, Dec 6 – 7:30pm
Sun, Dec 7 – 3:00pm
Thu, Dec 11 – 7:30pm
Fri, Dec 12 – 7:30pm
Sat, Dec 13 – 7:30pm
Sun, Dec 14 – 3:00pm

Location: Pride Arts Center – Hoover-Leppen Theatre, 3656 N. Halsted
Parking: Available in the Whole Foods garage
Tickets: Available at  or at the theat

Show Type: Comedy/farce

For tickets:

Box Office: 773-472-6469

www.centeronhalsted.org

If your holiday season needs a break from the usual sweetness and snowflakes—and you’re ready for something mischievous—Rapornzel delivers exactly the right kind of ridiculous.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” Rapornzel”.