PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD to Play Stages Repertory Theatre This December

Stages continues its holiday tradition with the world premiere of PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD. Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion as they skip down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the way home. This is the ninth British pantomime that Stages has produced, and the eighth to receive its world premiere at Stages during the holiday season.

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Traditionally performed at the holidays for family audiences, British pantomime is now a popular form of theatre, incorporating song, dance, buffoonery, slapstick, in-jokes, topical references and audience participation. Panto humor typically works on two levels, making it tons of fun for kids and adults.

Carolyn Johnson, a Stages Panto veteran recently seen on stage in the acclaimed END OF THE RAINBOW, makes her Stages directorial debut with PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD. Johnson writes about PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD and more in this recent blog post.

Fresh from a turn on ABC's cult-favorite musical comedy GALAVANT, Brit Genevieve Allenbury makes a repeat appearance to help welcome audiences into the world of Panto. Beloved "Buttons" star Ryan Schabach also returns this season to delight his fans with more antics. Rutherford Cravens, celebrated Houston actor and also a Panto alum, created and wrote PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD based on the writings of L. Frank Baum.

Stages continues its partnership with Sam Houston State University (SHSU) with a performance internship surrounding PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD. The internship program, which has been ongoing since 2008, offers students the opportunity to perform in a professional setting with experienced artists, while still receiving college credit. Additionally, Stages Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin is teaching a course in Directing at SHSU this semester.

PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD, recommended for ages 3 and up, runs December 1 through December 31. Special family fun days December 3, 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. (with games - and prizes donated by Houston Family Magazine - crafts and snacks with the cast following the show); Christmas Eve matinees at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. December 24 (with punch and cookies with the cast after each performance); and a special New Year's Eve celebration at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. December 31 where kids can ring in the New Year on London(ish) time with the cast, refreshments and New Year's activities. For more information, visit stagestheatre.com.

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