Theatre review: Manitoba Theatre for Young People production Peg and the Yeti a compassionate family story

Manitoba Theatre for Young People brings “Peg and the Yeti” to its stage as a 55-minute adventure aimed at children ages three to eight. The weekend run and next weekend features a production by director Emma Welham, based on Kenneth Oppel’s storybook with illustrations by Barbara Reid and adapted for the stage by Monica Dufault. Peg, a sea-borne dreamer who wants to climb Mount Everest, meets a sleeping yeti and bonds with him after offering food. The cast includes Laurel Fife as Peg, with Katie German and Simon Miron as her parents. The show builds interactive moments like an onstage avalanche using billowing sailcloth, while set/costume designer Denyse Karn turns the theatre into a ship. Ashley Au supplies an atmospheric score and Lovissa Wiens handles lighting. The review also notes brisk pacing that can drown out dialogue when children settle back to attention.