Philip Anthony Rodriguez to Close Out THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ in Role of Lion

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, announces Philip Anthony-Rodriguez (NBC's "Grimm" and ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager") as The Cowardly Lion for the final 4 performances of the world premiere of THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, (300 East Green Street, Pasadena CA 91101) on December 29 at 1:00pm and 6:00pm and December 30 at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. The role of The Cowardly Lion is played by Juan Pablo Di Pace ("Fernando" on Netflix's number one show Fuller House, leading contestant this season on ABC's Dancing With The Stars) at all other performances. THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ opened to rave reviews December 15, and must close December 30.

Ever since it's Opening last week, THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ has been getting nothing but great reviews! Stage Scene LA proclaims it "sure to delight " and exclaimed "Wow!" Dena Burroughs of Around Town Pasadena calls the production "a perfect opportunity to get the family dressed up and out to the theater."

Philip Anthony-RODRIGUEZ is a Puerto Rican American actor known for playing Marcus Rispoli on NBC's "Grimm" & Ruben Enriquez on 6 Seasons of ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." On stage Philip starred as El Gallo opposite Hal Linden at The Pasadena Playhouse in The Fantasticks. As a voice over artist he can be heard as Don Huevo in the Netflix Children's series "Goldie & Bear" "¡Viva Don Huevo!" and as Fifth Brother on Disney XD's "Star Wars Rebels." Philip is also the Spanish speaking & singing voices of Elmo, Telly Monster, Hoots The Owl on "Sesame Street Beginnings" & "Maravillas Musicales!" in addition to many TV guest roles. You can follow him on Facebook: @PhilipAnthonyRodriguezActor

THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ stars singer, actress and dancer Mackenzie Ziegler (Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, Dance Moms) as Dorothy, Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Celebrity Big Brother Winner and Broadway's Hairspray) as Glinda, and features Kermit the Frog® as the Wizard of

Oz, Jared Gertner (Broadway's The Book of Mormon) as The Scarecrow, Phil LaMarr ("Mad TV" and "Pulp Fiction") as The Tin Man, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band, "Cha Cha" on FOX's Grease: Live!, National Tour of In the Heights) as The Wicked Witch of the West, Hailee Payne and Valerie Rockey of So You Think You Can Dance, and Rescue Dog Pickle C. Irwin as Toto.

The production is directed by Bonnie Lythgoe and choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo (NappyTabs), with book by Kris Lythgoe and musical direction and arrangements by Michael Orland (American Idol). Casting is by executive producer Becky Lythgoe.

The official press opening was 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. There was also a special student matinee on December 14, 2018, servicing over 2,000 Title One school children who were introduced to the magic of live theatre for the very first time.

THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ is a Holiday version of America's favorite modern fairy tale, in the style of a traditional British Family Panto. On Christmas Eve, Dorothy gets swept away by a 'freak' Kansas blizzard and lands in a world of munchkins and witches. With songs from Imagine Dragons to Earth, Wind and Fire, THE WONDERFUL WINTER OF OZ is the perfect family experience at the Holiday time. No rainbows will be hurt in this production.

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 626-449-7362. 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 is the seventh holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in Pasadena, and the second at the Pasadena Civic.

Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together. In 2017 over 6000 title 1 students were introduced by the Lythgoe's to live theatre, through the medium of Panto.

About the Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Built in 1932, during the Great Depression, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium has welcomed millions of patrons across Southern California. Inspired by Mediterranean Revival architecture, the 3,000 seat theatre has hosted countless concerts and plays, including but not limited to the Daytime Emmy Awards,

NAACP Image Awards and in 1983, Motown 25 where Michael Jackson debuted the Moonwalk. The venue has also been used for film and television shows such as "Alias," "American Idol," "America's Got
Talent," "So You Think You Can Dance," "Scandal" and "NCIS." For more information about the Civic Auditorium, visit https://pasadenacivic.visitpasadena.com/

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