The Pasadena Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) announce cast members for this year’s Panto at The Playhouse “A Cinderella Christmas”. The cast will star Lauren Taylor as “Cinderella”(Disney Channel’s “Best Friends Whenever,” Netflix’s “Richie Rich”) and Alex Newell as “The Fairy Godperson” (Fox’s “Glee,” HBO’s “Vinyl,” Opener for Adam Lambert’s “Original High” tour). In addition, “A Cinderella Christmas” will feature Matthew Patrick Davis as “Buttons” (Broadway revival of Side Show), and returning Panto at The Playhouse favorites Josh Adamson (ABC Family’s “First Landing,” U.S. National Tour of 360 London’s Peter Pan,) and Ben Giroux (Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger,” CW’s “Hart of Dixie”), as “The Ugly Stepsisters.” Additional casting is to be announced.

“A Cinderella Christmas” opens December 8, 2016 and plays through January 8, 2017 at The Pasadena Playhouse.

Returning from last year’s hugely successful Panto at The Playhouse production of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas 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, costume design by Lythgoe Family Panto, and casting by Becky Lythgoe.

Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy and pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together. 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. “A Cinderella Christmas” will include such pop hits as,” Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” and “No,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway,” Michael Buble’s “Just Haven’t Met You Yet” and Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”

Panto at The Playhouse is celebrating its fifth year at The Pasadena Playhouse. Past productions at The Pasadena Playhouse include: the world premiere of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas starring Sabrina Carpenter and John O’Hurley, 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, Jordan Fisher, and Ashley Argota.

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse says, “Once again we are beginning to bring together a dazzling company for this year’s Panto at The Playhouse. As our Panto tradition has grown and become more and more successful with each year, word has spread throughout the acting community about the joys and rewards of performing in this special holiday event. This has enabled us to once again invite so many exciting performers to be a part of this theatrical experience with mutual benefits all around!”

“Panto at The Playhouse has become a holiday tradition for families and what a joy for Lythgoe Family Panto to bring “A Cinderella Christmas” to Pasadena for our 5th season at the historical State Theatre of California. This cast brings together some Panto at The Playhouse alumni favorites along with some new stellar stars from stage and screen that will take you on a magical journey! You will have a ball at Cinderella this year! ” adds LFP producers Becky and Kris Lythgoe.

A Panto is interactive holiday fun for all ages, and “A Cinderella Christmas” will feature comedy, magic, dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance” and contemporary music from Meghan Trainor to Michael Buble. “Those who have never been to a panto will have a glorious introduction to the form.” – Los Angeles Times.

One hour before every performance, guests and their families are invited to enjoy holiday activities in “Winter Wonderland” located at The Playhouse’s Engemann Family Courtyard.

“A Cinderella Christmas” will play from December 8, 2016 – January 8, 2017 at The Pasadena Playhouse. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena. 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 — Friday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m.; Monday, December 26 at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 28 at 3:00 p.m. and Friday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday, January 4 at 3:00 p.m. and Thursday, January 5 at 3:00 p.m. (No performances December 25 and January 1.)

Tickets for “A Cinderella Christmas” range from $25.00 – $125.00. Tickets are required for admission to the production by everyone with the exception of children under the age of 2 who can attend the show without a ticket if they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap throughout the performance.

Golden Tickets are available as an add-on to any child’s ticket for an additional $75.00 each (limit of 10 Golden Tickets available per performance). A Golden Ticket provides the ticketholder (recommended for children aged 4 – 12) with a special onstage sing-a-long experience during the production and a surprise gift bag.

Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529, and online 24 hours a day at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.