If you’ve never attended a production of Panto at The Playhouse, then you’re missing out on a magical Pasadena Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions’ experience. I attended the opening night of SLEEPING BEAUTY and Her Winter Knight. This experience left my daughter and I wishing to attend more of these events.
SLEEPING BEAUTY and Her Winter Knight features an all-star cast with singer/recording artist Olivia Holt from Disney’s “I Didn’t Do It” as Princess Aurora; actress/singer Lucy Lawless of “Xena: Warrior Princess” as the wickedly evil, yet funny Carabosse; singer/actor Garret Clayton of Disney’s Teen Beach Movie as the handsomely humorous Prince; Patrick Cassidy of Broadway’s 42 Street as the wondrously funny King of Pasadena; American Idol standout, as well as Broadway’s Rent and Bombay Dreams , Tamyra Gray as enchanting Good Fairy; David Engel of Broadway’s La Cage Aux Folle as the hysterical Nanny Tickle; Ben Giroux of CW’s “Heart of Dixie” as a hilarious “Silly Billy).
“Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight” at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Philicia Endelman.
My daughter and I had a fabulous time! We started the evening an hour early during the “Winter Wonderland” event in the Engemann Family Courtyard. My child joined other kids for free crafts, coloring, games, and a Santa Claus (select dates) photo opportunity. They also watched Disney’s, Frozen. I was tickled as all of the kids had an impromptu sing-along!
SLEEPING BEAUTY and Her Winter Knight features an updated script contemporary songs from Jessie J’s
“Domino” nailed by Olivia Holt; to Garrett Clayton’s fresh twist to John Legend’s “All of Me,”; to Lucy Lawless’ funky rendition of “One Way or Another”; to Tamyra Gray’s enchanting version of “Hero.” The script was updated with pop culture lines and jokes that left the young and old laughing in their seats. But then, it was back to the music that left us rockin’ in the aisles – thanks to the amazing direction by Bonnie Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”), and featuring an extremely hip choreography by Emmy nominee Spencer Liff (“So You Think You Can Dance”). American Idol’s Michael Orland added his magical touch as musical director.
Needless to say, my 7-year-old wants to see the show AGAIN!!
Performances run now through Jan. 4, 2015
Online sales and information, www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, 626-356-7529, prices range from $39-$74, plus premium seating for $125. Golden Ticket ($50) allows ticketholder allows child to special onstage experience during production. Only ten Golden Tickets per performance.
* Angela attended opening night for editorial purposes. Our opinions are solely our own. Lead photo by Philicia Endelman.
