theater

This festive season, open your hearts to the world's most famous social climber. No, not Donald Trump (he should spend it in purgatory looking for new help). It's Jack, of and-the-Beanstalk fame.

Kids admire Jack. Dads envy him. And Moms get all verklempt. After all, what other adolescent boy has saved his town and family by growing a big one and setting off for new territory?

So it makes sense that Jack is the subject of this year's People's Light holiday show. The famous elements are all here: giant, cow, milk shortage.

And there's more. You see, PL&T's Jack and the Beanstalk is a panto, a form much beloved by English children and adults. In addition to the usual Jack story, you'll also get a pantomime dame—an over-the-top drag performer (in this case, Mark Lazar, pictured, playing the Widow Trot) whom the kids love to tease.

PL&T promises more still: live music (styles range from blues to gospel to country), dancing and audience participation. They've put some of their best talent into the show, including actors Susan McKey, Tom Teti, Stephen Novelli, director David Bradley and many others. The book and lyrics are also by a company member, Katherine Peterson, who says she loves panto because it's " "joyful, exuberant, generous and immediate."

By the way, did I mention that the cow tap-dances, and that the folks at PL&T tell us the show is suitable for audience members older than five? Yes, Virginia—sometimes a beanstalk is just a beanstalk.

Jack and the Beanstalk, Thu., Dec. 22 and Tue., Dec. 27, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 23 and Wed., Dec. 28, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 24, 2 p.m., through Jan. 8, $27-$46, People's Light & Theatre, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern , 610-644-3500.