Toluca Lake residents and theatrical producers Kris and Becky Lythgoe are inviting local families to celebrate the season with a panto. These lively renditions of familiar stories filled with music, jokes, exaggerated characters and audience participation are a beloved December tradition in England, which the Lythgoes have adapted with a modern American spin to introduce children to the magic of live theater. “Because this is our 10th anniversary of Lythgoe Family Panto, we decided to present a reimagined version of the show that put us on the map in Pasadena back in 2012, A Snow White Christmas,” Becky explains. “We have all new music, and our onscreen magic mirror, Neil Patrick Harris, has recorded some fresh bits and pieces as well. With our new cast offering their own reinterpretation of the show, you might even hear a little Destiny’s Child from Michelle Williams.”
In addition to sing-alongable songs and all-ages humor, the performances at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium include a pre-show Winter Wonderland complete with crafts, activities and Santa Claus. “The panto has become such a family tradition, from Pasadena to our very own Toluca Lake,” Kris says. “We’re thrilled that we can now offer our version of Snow White to a completely new generation of children, as the kids we first performed this for are now off to college!”
Read our interview with the Lythgoes for more about them, their pantos and their local favorites.