Stages Repertory Theatre Presents PANTO SNOW QUEEN: UNFROZEN, Starting Tonight

Stages continues its holiday tradition with the world premiere of PANTO SNOW QUEEN: UNFROZEN. This is the eighth British pantomime that Stages has produced, and the seventh to receive its world premiere at Stages during the holiday season. The production runs tonight, December 3, 2015 - January 3, 2016.

Traditionally performed at the holidays for family audiences, British pantomime is now a popular form of theatre, incorporating song, dance, buffoonery, slapstick, in-jokes, topical references, and audience participation. Panto humor typically works on two levels, making it tons of fun for kids AND adults.

It's truly a winter wonderland, and Gerda's got quite the problem on her hands: Her best friend Bean has been abducted by the villainous Snow Queen! Join Gerda as she meets a host of wacky characters on her adventure to save Bean, battle global warming, and learn the true meaning of friendship and loyalty. Stages continues its fresh holiday tradition for families with this playful mix of zany characters, toe-tapping pop songs, audience participation, and spectacular fun for grownups and kids alike!

Fresh from a turn on ABC's musical comedy Galavant, Brit Genevieve Allenbury makes a repeat appearance to help welcome audiences into the world of Panto. Beloved "Buttons" star Ryan Schabach also returns this season to delight his fans with more antics - this year with a hilarious puppet companion. Chelsea Ryan McCurdy, familiar to Stages audiences as one of the Marvelous Wonderettes and, more recently, a Honky Tonk Angel, moves into new Stages territory as Assistant Director, while her brother Chase McCurdy makes his Stages debut.

Stages continues its partnership with Sam Houston State University with a performance internship surrounding PANTO SNOW QUEEN: UNFROZEN. The internship, which has been ongoing since 2008, offers students the opportunity to perform in a professional setting, while still receiving college credit.

Directed by Kenn McLaughlin, with musical direction by Steven Jones and choreography by Kristin Warren, PANTO SNOW QUEEN: UNFROZEN stars Genevieve Allenbury (ABC-TV's Galavant, Panto Rapunzel (and Zombies), Panto Goldilocks, Steel Magnolias), Kay Allmand (Panto Sleeping Beauty), Shelby Bray (Panto Rapunzel (and Zombies)), Rutherford Cravens (Panto Rapunzel (and Zombies, Panto Pinocchio, Panto Sleeping Beauty, Panto Cinderella), Calvin Hudson (Panto Cinderella), Chase McCurdy (Stages debut), Ryan Schabach (Wittenberg, Panto Rapunzel (and Zombies, Panto Pinocchio, Panto Sleeping Beauty, Panto Cinderella), Christina Stroup (The Marvelous Wonderettes series, Panto Sleeping Beauty), Mason Butler** (Stages debut), Nick Cuellar** (Stages debut), Stoo Gogo** (Panto Rapunzel (and Zombies)), Kiley Pearson** (Stages debut), Catherine Pope** (Stages debut) and Zachary J. Willis** (Stages debut) **Denotes Sam Houston State University Performance Internship

On the creative team are scenic and properties designer Jodi Bobrovsky, lighting designer J. Mitchell Cronin, costume designer Tiffani Fuller, sound designer Yezminne Zepeda and assistant director Chelsea Ryan McCurdy.

PANTO SNOW QUEEN: UNFROZEN by Jodi Bobrovsky, Rutherford Cravens and Josh Morrison, runs December 3, 2015 - January 3, 2016, playing Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 7:00p, Saturdays 2:00p and 2:00p,Sundays 3:00p at Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019. This show is approximately 2 hours long, with one intermission. Tickets: $21 - $54. Call 713.527.0123 or visit www.stagestheatre.com. KID-FRIENDLY! Recommended for ages 3 and up.

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