People's Light Presents THE THREE MUSKETEERS (THE LATER YEARS): A MUSICAL PANTO

People's Light continues its trademark holiday tradition with The Three Musketeers (The Later Years): A Musical Panto, running from November 18, 2015 through January 10, 2016. Associate Artistic Director Pete Pryor directs. People's Light is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. For tickets, call 610.644.3500 or visit peopleslight.org.

Celebrated Philadelphia theatre artists Dito van Reigersberg and Robert Smythe join People's Light for this year's madcap holiday panto, The Three Musketeers (The Later Years). Along with director Pete Pryor and a high-energy mix of fresh and familiar faces, they'll create an updated version of Kathryn Petersen and Michael Ogborn's outrageously silly swashbuckling adventure, last seen on the Malvern stage in 2010.

Master puppeteer Robert Smythe, who created the titular beast in last season's Arthur and the Tale of the Red Dragon, returns to People's Light in a dual capacity. He'll perform as the Musketeer D'Artagnan and help create a section of the show inspired by the Czech tradition of Black Light Theatre. As the founder and Artistic Director of Mum Puppettheatre, Smythe has written, directed and performed over 20 original productions using puppets, masks and human actors. As an actor, he's worked with many of the region's top theatre companies. Director Pryor notes, "It'll be a blast to have Robert play D'Artagnan. And we'll also benefit from his renowned expertise as a master puppeteer. He'll help us elevate the final battle sequence of the production to epic proportions, good versus evil."

The cast of the production features a mix of panto regulars and lively newcomers. People's Light company member Mark Lazar, the Theatre's Dame-in-Residence, reprises his role as Queen Agnes of Malvaria. Other returnees include Brad DePlanche as Porthos, Laura Giknis as Kestral, Pete Pryor as Lord Mazarotti, and Tom Teti as Aramis. Longtime resident artist Susan McKey appears as Gyrfalcon. Katie Johantgen, last seen in Getting Near to Baby (2008), plays Peregrine, while Meera Mohan, who last appeared as Princess Mai Tai in Aladdin (2013), plays Colette. Leah Walton, last seen in Noises Off (2013), plays Henrietta the Chicken. Newcomers include Tabitha Allen as King Hughy, Marissa Barnathan as Aplomado, and Owen Pelesh as Porthos. Robert Smythe plays D'Artagnan and Dito van Reigersberg makes his People's Light debut as Horace the Hound.

Director Pete Pryor shares staging responsibilities with Assistant Director, Choreographer, and Fight Director Samantha Reading. Director of Design James F. Pyne, Jr. creates the set and Thom Weaver designs lights. Bridget Brennan recreates Alisa Kleckner's costumes from the original production. Lucas Fendlay designs sound, while Robert Smythe designs and builds the puppets. Geoff Langley serves as Music Director and plays piano. Kanako Omae Neale is on drums. Resident Dramaturg Gina Pisasale dramaturgs and company member Kate Fossner stage manages.

The Three Musketeers (The Later Years) previews on Wednesday, November 18, Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 at 7 pm. The play opens on Saturday, November 21 and runs through Sunday, January 10.

Audiences are encouraged to join the artists for a conversation about the production after the Thursday performances on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, and January 7th

Standard single tickets start at $40. Community Night tickets are $27 for the 7 pm performances on November 18 and 19. For tickets, call the Box Office at 610.644.3500. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase group tickets, call 610.647.1900 x111 or email benedict@peopleslight.org.

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