The Year Without a Panto Claus at Theatre Nova

Theatre NOVA, Ann Arbor’s professional theatre with an exclusive focus on new plays and playwrights, presents the world premiere of “The Year Without a Panto Claus” by Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis.
2017 was a bummer of a year. When Santa gets depressed, he decides to pack it in and disappear. Two of his elves search far and near looking for some genuine Christmas cheer. Arriving at a few decidedly un-Christmas-y locations, they face the wrath of the Heat and Snow Miser twins, the tropical town’s grumpy citizens, and a mysterious Russian bombshell named Vixen.
From the team that brought you An Almost British Christmas and Sugar Plum Panto, this hilarious romp is just what the therapist ordered to add a little levity to your holiday season. Bring the whole family to laugh, boo, hiss, and sing your way through another fun-filled night of heroes and villains, updated pop songs, holiday favorites, and merriment.
“The Year Without a Panto Claus” features Ramona Burns, Lisa Michaels, and Scott Screws and is directed by Melissa Freilich. The production and design team includes R. Mackenzie Lewis (music director), Forrest Hejkal (scenic design), Cal Schwartz (costume design), Allan McMillan (lighting design), Becky Fox (Props), and Michelle Resnick (stage manager).
“The Year Without a Panto Claus” will run December 1 through December 31, 2017, at Theatre NOVA (410 W. Huron, Ann Arbor), a downtown performance space. Showtimes are 7:30 pm on Fridays, 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturdays, and 2:00 pm on Sundays. Theatre NOVA features free parking for patrons, as well as quick access to the city’s restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops.

Tickets are $20 for adults, and kids tickets are $10 (ages 16 and under). Theatre NOVA continues its commitment to make theatre accessible by offering pay-what-you-can tickets for those who need them. For tickets, visit TheatreNOVA.org, call 734-635-8450 (Tuesdays through Fridays from noon until 3pm), or buy them in person at the box office one hour before show time.

Theatre NOVA is Ann Arbor’s resident professional theatre company. Its mission is to raise awareness of the value and excitement of new plays and playwrights and provide resources for playwrights to develop their craft by importing, exporting, and developing new work.