Who doesn’t love a modern spin on classic tale? What about a modern spin on a classic tale staring Kermit the Frog and Marissa Jaret Winokur? Fans of the iconic Muppet and the powerhouse actress will not want to miss The Wonderful Winter of Oz playing a limited engagement this December at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
What’s happening:
- Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, has announced Kermit The Frog as the Wizard of Oz and Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray) as Glinda in their newest production –The Wonderful Winter of Oz.
- This fantastic live show will play a strictly limited engagement from December 14 through December 30, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
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An updated version of the beloved classic, in the style of a traditional British family Panto,The Wonderful Winter of Oz features family-friendly magic, with a comedic twist, dancing (with So You Think You Can Dance alumni), contemporary music and more.
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The production will be directed by Bonnie Lythgoe and choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo (NappyTabs), with book by Kris Lythgoe and Michael Orland (American Idol) serving as musical arranger and supervisor.
- Casting is by executive producer Becky Lythgoe. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
What they’re saying:
- Kermit The Frog: “Over the years, I’ve brought my nephew Robin and many of his fellow tadpoles to these Lythgoe Family Pantos. We always had a great time! Now at last, I get to hop up on stage with Marissa and the cast to be a part of the fun. If you thought Muppet productions were wild, just wait till you see what the Lythgoes have planned for this year! See you there!”
- Marissa Jaret Winokur: “I have taken my son Zev to the Pasadena Panto for years as it’s the perfect introduction to theater for children, keeping the whole family entertained with comedy and pop songs. It’s also been a dream to perform alongside Kermit the Frog, only the Lythgoes could make that happen and I am looking forward to creating some magic with them, somewhere over the rainbow!”
- Kris Lythgoe: “We are so excited to welcome Kermit and Marissa to the Lythgoe Family along with more talented star names yet to be announced. We know Pasadena is in for a great family show!”
Lythgoe Family Panto – The Wonderful Winter of Oz:
Dates:
- Friday, December 14 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 15 at 1:00 PM and 6:00PM
- Sunday, December 16 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Thursday, December 20 at 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 21 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 22 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Sunday, December 23 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Thursday, December 27 at 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 28 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
- Saturday, December 29 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM
- Sunday, December 30 at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Venue: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Tickets: Tickets start at $40
Golden Ticket (Premium, children ages 4 – 12 only) – includes special on-stage experience during the production – additional $75 per child.
For Tickets and more information please visit: www.thepasadenacivic.com
Good to know:
- Tickets start at $40 and Family Four Packs for just $99 can be purchased at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, online at www.thepasadenacivic.com or by calling 800-982-2787.
- Golden Tickets, which allow the ticket holder (children ages 4 – 12 only) a special on-stage experience during the production, are available for an additional $75.00 each.
- This will be the seventh holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in Pasadena, and the second at the Pasadena Civic.
- There will also be a special student matinee on December 14, 2018, servicing over 2,000 Title One school children who will be introduced to the magic of live theatre for the very first time.
Lythgoe Family Panto Across America
Can’t make it to the Wonderful Winter of Oz? Not to worry, this season Lythgoe Family Panto will also present three additional productions across America:
- Aladdin and His Winter Wish: Directed by David F.M. Vaughn with Supervising Direction by Bonnie Lythgoe will be presented in partnership with North Carolina Theatre at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium from November 29- December 2. Tickets starting at $23 are on sale at nctheatre.com.
- Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose: will mark the fourth year of the partnership between Lythgoe Family Panto and Laguna Playhouse, and plays December 7 – December 30. The production will be directed by Sheldon Epps with choreography by Mandy Moore. Tickets starting at $20 for children and $30 for adults are on sale at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
- Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas: will star John O’Hurley as Captain Hook and will be presented in partnership with Tennessee Performing Arts Center at the James K. Polk Theatre in Nashville from December 13-23. Tickets starting at $35 go on sale September 21, 2018 at www.theatrenashville.com.