imaginary beasts to Stage New Take on THE WIZARD OF OZ

Hold onto your hats! imaginary beasts sweeps into town like a cyclone this January with a tale full of magic and wonder when they refashion an American classic into a fantasy of technicolor proportions!

When a terrible twister drops Dorothy and her little dog Toto somewhere over the rainbow, they must take a journey of discovery to the Emerald City in order to get 'Home, sweet home'. But when our young heroine realizes that her Auntie Em has followed her to the Land of Oz the adventures really begin. They will encounter all the well-known characters of the story-the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion-along with a few others, as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. L. Frank Baum's beloved fairy tale receives the full Panto treatment when the beasts return with their favorite cold-weather tradition, and audiences of all ages will want to follow the "Yellow Brick Road" to the Boston Center for the Arts to catch Winter Panto 2016: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at the Plaza Black Box Theatre January 9th - 30th.

A beloved tradition in the United Kingdom dating back to the Victorian Age, Pantomimes are produced yearly in every county in the UK around the holidays. imaginary beasts is one of the only companies producing the form annually stateside. For those who have never seen a Panto, don't be fooled by the name! Far from silent miming, Panto is a raucous send up of social mores and popular culture. Add in a bit of gender-bending-the Dame is always played by a man, and the Principal Boy is always played by a woman-and you have the recipe for Panto. A forefather of Vaudeville, Panto requires audience feedback and spirited routines to bring about a happy ending as the classic struggle of good versus evil plays out onstage.

Each year, the beasts re-imagine a classic story in a topsy-turvy world-full of puns, popular music, and topical references. The ensemble writes the script, which can change on a nightly basis. Panto has quickly become a wintertime favorite for families seeking a little post-holiday cheer and refuge from the cold weather. Audience members of all ages will find something to love. Think of it is a cartoon, with kids laughing at the slapstick stunts and adults chuckling at the subtle puns and innuendo-but live onstage. It is a spectacle that is simply not to be missed.

The beasts are best known to Boston audiences for their ensemble physical acting work as well as their stunning production values. Winter Panto is no exception. The ensemble includes imaginary beasts artistic associates Cameron Cronin, Molly Kimmerling, Amy Meyer, Elizabeth Pearson, Joey C. Pelletier, Kiki Samko, William Schuller, Michael Underhill, and Matthew Woods, as well as veteran players Michael Chodos, Mikey DiLoreto, Sarah Gazdowicz, Bob Mussett, Libby Schap, and Noah Simes. Under Woods' direction, Candido Soares contributes set design and technical direction, beasts associate and IRNE award winner Christopher Bocchiarro provides innovative illumination, and IRNE award winner and associate Cotton Talbot-Minkin concocts costumary confections that delight and surprise.

Winter Panto 2016: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz runs at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Black Box Theatre from January 9 - 30, Thursdays - Sundays, with one Wednesday performance on January 27. Show times and ticket prices vary; visit www.bostontheatrescene.com or www.imaginarybeasts.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

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