Photo Flash: First Look at PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD at Stages Repertory Theatre

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. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

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.

PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD, recommended for ages 3 and up, runs now through December 31. Special family fun days December 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.

Photo Credit: Jon Shapley

MaryAnn Williams as Dorothy with the Company of PANTO WONDERFUL WIZARD

MaryAnn Williams (Dorothy), Genevieve Allenbury (Toto 2), Cameron Khalil Stokes (William), Jeremy Gee (Aloysious), Joe Serpa Daniels (Leo)

Kay Allmand as Fiorina

Kyle Sturdivant as Dollinda and John Ryan Del Bosque as Onechkin

Ryan Schabach as Buttons

MaryAnn Williams as Dorothy with Kay Allmand as Fiorina

Jeremy Gee as Aloysious

Fiorina with her Monkees: Anna Maria Morris, Angela Pinina Harkins, Kay Allmand, Zachary Willis and Faith Fryer