Andrew Barnicle Completes Cast of Laguna Playhouse's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE

Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, Executive Director Ellen Richard and Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) announce that Laguna Playhouse favorite Andrew Barnicle (Twelve Angry Men, Fallen Angels) will join Ashley Argota ("True Jackson VP," "Lab Rats"), Thomas Hobson (Ain't Misbehavin', Recorded in Hollywood), Heath Calvert (Amelie, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Riley Costello ("Hairspray Live," Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate's Christmas) Roland Rusinek (The Phantom of the Opera) and David Engel (Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, La Cage Aux Folles) in Lythgoe Family Panto's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE. Written by Kris Lythgoe, directed by Sheldon Epps, choreography by Mandy Moore, musical direction by Keith Harrison and musical supervisor Michael Orland, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE will begin performances on Wednesday, December 5 and run through December 30, 2018 with a press opening on Friday, December 7 at 7:00pm at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.

"Families, our audiences and our subscribers are in for a romantically glorious (and hilarious) holiday experience as we present our fourth Panto spectacle, the truly magical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE!" comments Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham and Executive Director Ellen Richard. Remarks Becky Lythgoe, "We are overjoyed to be bringing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE to the Laguna Playhouse this year. I am thrilled that Andrew Barnicle, a staple in the Los Angeles and Laguna theatre communities, is joining this fantastic cast and creative team that will be sure to make all your family holiday's dreams come true!"

This modern version of the classic fairytale, Lythgoe Family Panto's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE brings all the magic of the traditional British family Holiday Panto to American audiences. In this interactive experience, the audience is encouraged to CHEER for Belle, BOO for Gus and sing along with popular songs such as The Bee Gees' "Staying Alive," The Chainsmokers & Coldplay's "Something Just Like This," and Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose." Directed by Tony-nominated Sheldon Epps, and choreographed by "La La Land's" Mandy Moore, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE is sure to delight children of all ages!

Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. 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 fairy tales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A CHRISTMAS ROSE marks Lythgoe Family Panto's fourth production at the venerable Laguna Playhouse. Past Pantos at Laguna Playhouse include Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Kira Kosarin and Barry Pearl, A Snow White Christmas starring Marina Sirtis and Lindsay Pearce & Sleeping Beauty and her Winter Knight starring Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Joely Fisher.

As part of the organization's ongoing commitment to develop theatre for young audiences, Lythgoe Family Panto together with Laguna Playhouse will bring the magic of Panto to hundreds of underserved children who attend school in Orange County. Lythgoe Family Panto is grateful to their partners and friends at Golden State Foods for generously providing school buses for the student matinees.

Tickets range from $41 - $76 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229. Prices subject to change. The box office is open Mondays - Saturdays: 11a.m. to 5 p.m. (open until showtime on performance days); Sundays: 11a.m. - 4p.m.