imaginary beasts Puts a Steampunk Spin on Annual Winter Panto

imaginary beasts are pleased to bring their annual Winter Panto celebration to Charlestown for the first time with their tongue-in-cheek take on Jules Verne's classic work of science fiction 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. A beloved tradition in the United Kingdom dating back to the Victorian Age, Pantomimes are produced yearly in every county in the UK around the holidays. imaginary beasts has been producing the form annually for nearly a decade in the Greater Boston Area and has become a new year tradition for Boston theatre-goers-especially those with children.

Taking cross-eyed, unsteady aim at Verne's novel, this year's Panto follows a motley crew of adventurers as they navigate some mighty troubled waters under the command of mad genius Captain Nemo (Elliot Norton Award and IRNE winner KIKI SAMKO). Join the young fisher lad Yves (KIM KLASNER) and his Salty Cat (IRNE winner MOLLY KIMMERLING) as they set out to escape the lowly Fish Row and explore the wonders of the world, only to discover the true meaning of heroism and friendship along the way. Steam engines and sea monsters abound in this rousing, family-friendly send-up of steampunk and sci fi.

And the adventure continues as the beasts settle into their new home at The Charlestown Working Theater! That's right, we're changing venues, bringing our distinctive sense of play to a charming brick Victorian firehouse. If you're not familiar with CWT, you should be (www.charlestownworkingtheater.org).

Though they have used traditional fairy tales in the past as their jumping off point for plot, Woods and his ensemble are excited to take on a new genre and a new type of tale for this year's Panto. "We're bringing the Panto to a new space, to new audiences... It seemed like a great opportunity to put our own signature on the form and to develop new traditions," said Woods. While the basis story may be changing, the form will remain grounded in its Victorian roots-including gender-bending and audience participation. Families will have ample chance to boo the Baddies and cheer the Goodies and to participate in the classic routines they've grown to love. And don't forget the word play and pop culture references that find their way into the script. There's plenty of fun for audiences of all ages to be found in this steampunk Panto!

Winter Panto 2017: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea runs at the Charlestown Working Theater from January 13 - February 4, Friday - Sundays, with one Monday performance on January 29. Show times and ticket prices vary; visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/983541 orwww.imaginarybeasts.org for more information. Members of the ensemble may be available for comment. Please contact Kim Klasner to make arrangements if desired.

WHEN: January 13 - February 4, Fridays - Sundays

Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 1:30 and 4:30 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm

There will be one special Monday performance on January 29.

WHERE: Charlestown Working Theater, 442 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA 02129

TICKETS: Contact 866-811-4111, or visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/983541. Ticketing structure varies and discounts are available:

General admission: $24

Children 12 & under: $10

Students (13+) and Seniors: $15

For Group Rates and Special Pricing, contact imaginarybeasts@gmail.com

FEATURING: Sarah Gazdowicz, Molly Kimmerling, Kim Klasner, Rebecca Lehrhoff, Amy Meyer, Bob Mussett, Kiki Samko, William Schuller, Jamie Semel, Noah Simes, Jennifer Taschereau, Michael Underhill, and Matthew Woods

Story Conceived: Matthew Woods

Written by: Matthew Woods & The Ensemble

Directed by: Matthew Woods

Costume Design: Cotton Talbot-Minkin

Lighting Design: Christopher Bocchiaro

Scenic Design: Rebecca Lehrhoff

Production and Stage Management: Sophia Giordano

Steampunk Consultant: Isaiah Plovnik

imaginary beasts is an incubator for adventurous theatre-making. We provide our members a unique chance to explore and develop theatre in an ongoing studio environment. Devoted to pushing the boundaries of how theatre is made and who can make it, we bring together traditional and non-traditional performance artists to produce work for an eclectic public. This year, imaginary beasts enters a unique partnership with the Charlestown Working Theatre.

The Charlestown Working Theater was founded on the idea that a theatre and a community can engage in a dialogue which results in creative, artistic expression, and exchange of ideas, and a deeper understanding of the people who make up the community. CWT has maintained this philosophy throughout its history and has remained dedicated to serving the cultural needs of Charlestown and greater Boston. We develop dynamic original performances; we produce the work of theater artists and companies, with a strong emphasis on developing new works; we offer affordable rehearsal and performance space to area theater companies; we produce popular community and youth productions; we offer quality theater, art, and music classes for children, largely free of charge; we make our space available to Charlestown organizations to use for meetings and events; we maintain a schedule of Special Events aimed at area families, and we offer free tickets to plays and events to local social service organizations. In remaining dedicated to offering a variety of theatrical and cultural events, forming a creative partnerships, and maintaining an open exchange with its community, CWT has developed a unique synthesis of artistic exploration.

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