The Pasadena Playhouse Brings Panto to School Children for the Holidays!

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director) announced today that the opening night celebration of this year's Panto at the Playhouse PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 will be dedicated as a benefit event with proceeds supporting student matinee performances over the holiday season.

The benefit will be chaired by Julietta Perez. Benefit Committee members also include Kris Lythgoe, Rebecca Lythgoe, Kathryn Hamilton, Cherol Nellon, Amy LoCascio, Michelle Mendez, Melissa Tyson, Christine Franke, Emilie Lanstra, Christine Chorba, Lily Lee, Cristina Perez Gonzalez, Jennifer Rogers, and Pam King.

The benefit includes a VIP pre-show reception in the Makineni Library, including delicious hors d' oeuvres, tasty kid treats, desserts, beverages and cocktails, and a post-show celebration with the cast of PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS.

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse, says, "Our presentation of Panto at The Playhouse makes for one of the most festive and delightful times of our theatrical season. Not only do we have a magical show on our stage, but we also have the privilege of introducing masses of young people to the joy of going to the theatre. Many of them for the first time! The opening night benefit performance also provides much needed funding to make this kind of programming possible during the holidays and throughout the year. I am grateful to all who join in on this festive celebration."

Julietta Perez, Panto Benefit Chair, says, ""I look forward to opening night of this year's Panto to support our local Pasadena Playhouse and student matinee performances! It's always an amazing and fun evening for the entire family!"

Last year, thanks to the generosity of The Pasadena Playhouse donors and the strong mission of The Pasadena Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions, over 1,200 elementary school students were able to experience and share in the magic of live theatre, many for the very first time at special performances of the Panto at the Playhouse production of SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT, starring Olivia Holt, Lucy Lawless, Garrett Clayton, David Engel, and Patrick Cassidy, presented by Lythgoe Family Productions and The Pasadena Playhouse.

This year's Panto at the Playhouse benefit will coincide with the opening night of the Panto at the Playhouse production of PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS, starring Sabrina Carpenter, Parvesh Cheena, Chrissie Fit, Corey Fogelmanis, August Maturo , John O'Hurley, Kevin Quinn, and Nikki SooHoo.

PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS opens December 9, 2015 and plays through January 3, 2016 at The Pasadena Playhouse.

Returning from last year's hugely successful Panto at The Playhouse production of Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight, will be director Bonnie Lythgoe ("So You Think You Can Dance"), choreographer Spencer Liff (Emmy nominee "So You Think You Can Dance") and musical director Michael Orland ("American Idol"). The book is by Kris Lythgoe, scenic and costume design by Lythgoe Family Productions, and the LFP producers include Becky Baeling Lythgoe and Kris Lythgoe.

Lythgoe Family Productions 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. Past Panto at The Playhouse productions include: Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight starring Olivia Holt and Lucy Lawless, A Snow White Christmas starring Ariana Grande and Neil Patrick Harris and Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Ben Vereen, Bruce Vilanch, and Ashley Argota.

· This year's Panto at the Playhouse benefit will take place on Opening Night of PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS, Wednesday, December 9, 2015.

· Pre?show reception begins at 6:00 p.m. in the in the Makineni Library of The Pasadena Playhouse.

· Curtain is at 7:00 p.m.

· Post show party immediately following.

· Opening Benefit tickets range from $100-$320

· Purchased Benefit tickets directly send elementary school students to one of the two PANTO Student Matinees and gives the gift of theatre to a child.

· For more information, or to become a Patron of the 2015 Panto at The Playhouse benefit, contact Mary Reitz, Events and Corporate Giving Manager, at (626) 204-7383 or mreitz@pasadenaplayhouse.org.

PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS is the latest Holiday Spectacular presented by The Pasadena Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions. Tinker Bell, Wendy and Peter Pan embark on a wild quest to foil the pirates' plot to kidnap Peter for Captain Hook's Christmas present in this flying, singing, swashbuckling adventure, which features comedy, magic, dancers from "So You Think You Can Dance," and contemporary music from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees. A Panto is known for its interactive style and humor that appeals to everyone from ages 2 - 102! "Those who have never been to a panto will have a glorious introduction to the forum." - Los Angeles Times.

One hour before every performance, guests and their families are invited to enjoy "Winter Wonderland" in The Playhouse's Engemann Family Courtyard, complete with holiday crafts and activities, including Santa photo opportunities (December 9-24, nominal fee for printed photos).

PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS will play from December 9, 2015 - January 3, 2016 at The Pasadena Playhouse. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. The performance schedule is Tuesdays - Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; Special matinees -- Tuesday, December 22 at 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m.; Thursday, December 24 at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29 at 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m. (No performances December 25, 31, and January 1.)

Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529, online 24 hours a day at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets for PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL - A PIRATES CHRISTMAS range from $25.00 - $135.00. Child single tickets are available for Rear Orchestra and Rear Mezzanine seating ranging from $29.00 - $49.00. Service and theatre restoration fees apply to all purchases. Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529, online 24 hours a day at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

GOLDEN TICKETS are available as an add-on to any child's ticket for an additional $65.00 each (limit of 10 Golden Tickets available per performance). A Golden Ticket provides the ticketholder (children only) with a special onstage sing-a-long experience during the production, a gift bag with special surprises, a PETER PAN collectible poster, and one free photo with Santa!

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