Thomas Hobson Joins Cast of BEAUTY & BEAST at Pasadena Civic

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP), in association with Pasadena Playhouse, announces Nickelodeon's Thomas Hobson (Nick Jr.'s "Fresh Beat Band") as The Beast for the final 2 performances of the world premiere of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A CHRISTMAS ROSE at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on December 24 (at 1:00pm and 5:00pm). The role of The Beast is played by Jonah Platt (Broadway's Wicked) at all other performances. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A CHRISTMAS ROSE, opened to rave reviews December 13, and must close December 24.

Ever since it's Opening last week, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A CHRISTMAS ROSE has been getting nothing but great reviews! Broadway World gave praise, saying, "The cast is divine" and "Lythgoe means talent." Stage Scene LA called it a "family-friendly holiday treat" and exclaimed "Wow!" Around Town Pasadena advised everyone to "get those prince and princess outfits out of the closet and take your kids to this dreamy event."

Thomas Hobson's theatre credits include Andre in Ain't Misbehaving (La Mirada Theatre), Curtis in Dreamgirls (TUTS), ?Sam Cooke in Recorded in Hollywood (?Kirk Douglas Theatre), Complete History of America Abridged (Ovation Award, Garry Marshall Theatre), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Pasadena Playhouse), Shout Sister Shout! (Pasadena Playhouse), City Kid (Hudson Theatre), and Ain't No Mountain High Enough, (Center Theatre Group). Hobson's film credits include leading roles in "Stone/Fruit," "The Purple Rose," "The Stars Are Already Dead," "Ghosts of the Ozarks," "XXIII Boss," and "Squirrel". Hobson is a series regular on Nickelodeon's "The Fresh Beat Band" and "The Fresh Beat Band of Spies." He also has a recurring role on "Rachel Dratch's Late Night Snack," Guest Roles on "Criminal Minds" and "NCIS: LA." Recording credits include EP "Beyond the Beat".

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A CHRISTMAS ROSE, stars Kelli Berglund (Disney XD's "Lab Rats") as Belle, James Snyder (Broadway's If/Then) as Gus, and Gedde Watanabe (Broadway's Pacific Overtures, John Hughes' Sixteen Candles) as Marcel. The production also stars John Tartaglia (Broadway's Shrek The Musical), as Louis Vuitton, Jared Gertner (Broadway's The Book Of Mormon) as Pierre and Harrison White (Broadway's The Lion King) as The Dame.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A CHRISTMAS ROSE opened December 13, 2017 and plays through December 24 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - A CHRISTMAS ROSE is directed by Sheldon Epps and choreographed by Mandy Moore (La La Land), with book by Kris Lythgoe and music direction and arrangements by Michael Orland (American Idol). Bonnie Lythgoe serves as Executive Director. Casting is led by Producer Becky Lythgoe. Kelli Berglund is represented by Industry Entertainment.

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. Each year, Lythgoe Family Panto's non-profit organization GiveKidsPanto provides over 5,000 free tickets to Title One students who will experience the magic of theatre for the first time through Panto. 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

Previously Lythgoe Family Panto established their reputation with productions including A Cinderella Christmas starring Lauren Taylor, Alex Newell and Morgan Fairchild, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell - A Pirates Christmas starring Sabrina Carpenter and John O'Hurley, Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight starring Olivia Holt and Lucy Lawless, Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Ben Vereen, Jordan Fisher, and Ashley Argota - and A Snow White Christmas (the original of this production) starring Ariana Grande and Neil Patrick Harris.

This December, Lythgoe Family Panto is offering their largest season yet, with four different productions playing concurrently in Laguna, Pasadena, San Diego and Houston.

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