Kris Lythgoe News

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, presents their newest production, the world premiere of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) which will play a strictly limited engagement from December 15 through December 30.

Audiences have until next Sunday - December 23, to be precise - to experience what is likely to become a Music City holiday tradition: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate's Christmas at Tennessee Performing Arts Center's James K. Polk Theatre. A somewhat Americanized version of a peculiarly British seasonal entertainment, aka "panto," Peter Pan and Tinker Bell is a winning blend of theater, Christmas pageant, vaudeville and British music hall all rolled into one bright, shiny, kind of weird, but altogether fun and rather unique holiday-themed package that's a welcome addition to yuletide revelry.

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) expands across America this holiday season, including a multi-year deal at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium beginning with their newest production - THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ. It 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. This will be the seventh holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in Pasadena, and their second in this larger venue.

Breaking News! Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, announce additional casting for their newest production, the world premiere of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) which will play a strictly limited engagement from December 15 through December 30. Singer, actress and dancer Mackenzie Ziegler (Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, Dance Moms) as Dorothy, Phil LaMarr ('Mad TV' and 'Pulp Fiction') as The Tin Man, Jared Gertner (Broadway's The Book of Mormon) as The Scarecrow, and Hailee Payne and Valerie Rockey of So You Think You Can Dance join previously announced Kermit The Frog as the Wizard of Oz and Tony-Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Celebrity Big Brother Winner and Broadway's Hairspray) as Glinda. The official press opening will be held on December 14, 2018 at GIVE KIDS PANTO, a benefit to raise monies for the student matinee performance serving Title One schools in the PUSD and LAUSD.

The cheeky PG-rated fun of British Panto, courtesy of Lythgoe Family Productions, returns for more holiday silliness at Orange County's Laguna Playhouse, this time with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE, which continues through December 30, 2018 in Laguna Beach under the direction of Sheldon Epps. Fun, light-hearted, and a much-needed far-from-serious break from reality, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE is wonderful family treat the whole family can enjoy for the holiday season.

Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, Executive Director Ellen Richard and Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) are thrilled to present Ashley Argota ('True Jackson VP,' 'Lab Rats'), Thomas Hobson (Ain't Misbehavin', Recorded in Hollywood), Heath Calvert (Amelie, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Riley Costello ('Hairspray Live,' Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate's Christmas), Andrews Barnicle (Twelve Angry Men,  Fallen Angels), Roland Rusinek (The Phantom of the Opera) and David Engel (Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, La Cage Aux Folles) in Lythgoe Family Panto's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE.  

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, announce final casting for their newest production, the world premiere of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) which will play a strictly limited engagement from December 15 through December 30.

Although the Lythgoe family is best known for producing reality television shows like 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'American Idol,' live theater is in their blood. 'It's more part of my DNA,' says Kris Lythgoe. 'I really grew up surrounded by the tradition and frankly know nothing else.' Lythgoe says that tradition included spending his summers in the orchestra pit watching his mother direct, his winters in the editing suite with his TV dad, Nigel Lythgoe, and his Christmas holidays watching panto productions written and directed by both his parents. 'In Britain, the first introduction to theater is through panto for any child,' he says. 'So, whether or not my parents were in the business, the first introduction to theater and the breaking down of walls is what we call panto for kids.'

Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, Executive Director Ellen Richard and Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) are thrilled to announce that Laguna Playhouse favorite Andrew Barnicle (Twelve Angry Men, Fallen Angels) will join Ashley Argota ("True Jackson VP," "Lab Rats"), Thomas Hobson (Ain't Misbehavin', Recorded in Hollywood), Heath Calvert (Amelie, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Riley Costello ("Hairspray Live," Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate's Christmas) Roland Rusinek (The Phantom of the Opera) and David Engel (Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, La Cage Aux Folles) in Lythgoe Family Panto's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE.

Casting News! Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, announce the latest casting for their newest production, the world premiere of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) which will play a strictly limited engagement from December 15 through December 30.

The opening night celebration of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ on December 14 will also serve as a benefit for the GiveKidsPanto program.  Lythgoe Family Panto created GiveKidsPanto, a non-profit educational program, serving over 6,000 Title 1 students across America annually. For many of these students, this is their first opportunity to see live theater.  GiveKidsPanto raises funds, which allows each LFP production across the country to add a student matinee to their performance schedule.  The funds raised through GiveKidsPanto go to facilitate the student's bus transportation to and from the theater as well as buy the tickets to the performances.  Last year at the Pasadena Civic alone, over 2,000 students from the Pasadena and Greater Los Angeles area schools were brought in to see a performance of Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose.  For more information please contact events@americanpanto.com

Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, Executive Director Ellen Richard and Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) are thrilled to announce that Ashley Argota ("True Jackson VP," "Lab Rats"), Thomas Hobson (Ain't Misbehavin', Recorded in Hollywood), Heath Calvert (Amelie, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Riley Costello ("Hairspray Live," Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate's Christmas) Roland Rusinek (The Phantom of the Opera) and David Engel (Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, La Cage Aux Folles) are set to star in Lythgoe Family Panto's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE. Written by Kris Lythgoe, directed by Sheldon Epps, choreography by Mandy Moore, musical direction by Keith Harrison and musical supervisor Michael Orland, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE will begin performances on Wednesday, December 5 and run through December 30, 2018 with a press opening on Friday, December 7 at 7:00pm at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.Casting is led by LFP Producer Becky Lythgoe, and the full cast will be announced at a later date.  

Breaking News! Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, announce additional casting for their newest production, the world premiere of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) which will play a strictly limited engagement from December 15 through December 30. Singer, actress and dancer Mackenzie Ziegler (Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, Dance Moms) as Dorothy, Phil LaMarr ("Mad TV" and "Pulp Fiction") as The Tin Man, Jared Gertner (Broadway's The Book of Mormon) as The Scarecrow, and Hailee Payne and Valerie Rockey of So You Think You Can Dance join previously announced Kermit The Frog as the Wizard of Oz and Tony-Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Celebrity Big Brother Winner and Broadway's Hairspray) as Glinda. The official press opening will be held on December 14, 2018 at GIVE KIDS PANTO, a benefit to raise monies for the student matinee performance serving Title One schools in the PUSD and LAUSD.

North Carolina Theatre, the region's premiere nonprofit professional theatre, is proud to announce the cast for its special holiday production in partnership with Lythgoe Family Productions, Aladdin and His Winter Wish. A new addition to the theatre's upcoming 2018-19 season, Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Broadway star Jason Gotay and the Bold and the Beautiful's Nia Sioux will run Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh.

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, announces Kermit The Frog as the Wizard of Oz and Marissa Jaret Winokur (Celebrity Big Brother Winner and  Hairspray) as Glinda in their newest production - THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) which will play a strictly limited engagement from December 14 through December 30, with the official press opening on December 14.

North Carolina Theatre, the region's premiere nonprofit professional theatre, is proud to announce its special holiday production in partnership with Lythgoe Family Productions, Aladdin and His Winter Wish. A new addition to the theatre's upcoming 2018-19 season, Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring the Bold and the Beautiful's Nia Sioux will run Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh.

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) expands across America this holiday season, including a multi-year deal at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium beginning with their newest production - THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ. It 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. This will be the seventh holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in Pasadena, and their second in this larger venue.

This just in! Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) announces Ashley Argota (ABC Family's The Fosters ) as Tinker Bell, Riley Costello (NBC's Hairspray Live! ) as Peter Pan, Clarice Ordaz (FOX's So You Think You Can Dance ) as Tiger Lily, Mark Ryan ( Black Sails on STARZ) as Captain Hook, David F.M. Vaughn (Broadway's Shrek The Musical) as Smee, and Audrey Whitby (Nickelodeon's The Thundermans ) as Wendy in PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS at the Balboa Theatre.

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with Pasadena Playhouse, announces Nickelodeon's Thomas Hobson (Nick Jr.'s Fresh Beat Band ) as The Beast for the final 2 performances of the world premiere of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST A CHRISTMAS ROSE at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on December 24 (at 1:00pm and 5:00pm). The role of The Beast is played by Jonah Platt (Broadway's Wicked) at all other performances. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST A CHRISTMAS ROSE, opened to rave reviews December 13, and must close December 24.

This just in! Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) announces Ashley Argota (ABC Family's The Fosters ) as Tinker Bell, Riley Costello (NBC's Hairspray Live! ) as Peter Pan, Clarice Ordaz (NBC's So You Think You Can Dance ) as Tiger Lily, Mark Ryan ( Black Sails on STARZ) as Captain Hook, David F.M. Vaughn (Broadway's Shrek The Musical) as Smee, and Audrey Whitby (Nickelodeon's The Thudermans ) in PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS at the Balboa Theatre.