Theatre Artists Studio Presents Father Christmas and the Snow Queen 12/3-19

Mention the word "pantomime" and you're likely to conjure up images of annoying street performers with painted faces struggling to escape from imaginary boxes. That's not the case with British pantos, however. Traditionally performed at Christmas, British pantomime (more commonly called "panto") is a popular form of theatre incorporating song, dance, slapstick and audience participation that is almost always based on traditional children's stories.

Following the success of last year's production, Theatre Artists Studio is presenting Father Christmas and the Snow Queen, December 3-19, 2010. This year's production features new dances.

In this original English panto, two children go through a magical cupboard to rescue Father Christmas and release all of the toys and children enslaved by the evil Snow Queen. Along the way they encounter the Snow Queen's evil henchman Modo; pursue Flibberdigibbet, the Snow Queen's head cat; meet a talking Sign Post; visit the Emperor of Toyland; and escape from the skeletons who rule the Forest of the Night. The children are aided in their search by our Dame - Widow Tremble (played by a man and a take-off of the old woman who lived in the shoe) and "her" kids.

"These plays work at every level," says playwright Alan Austin. "For children, it is an entertaining fantasy story about overcoming wicked forces. They are encouraged to participate and affect the action. For adults, part of the fun is watching their children as well as appreciating some of the asides and topical jokes."

An interactive children's show in the British panto tradition, this rollicking holiday adventure with music means fun for the whole family! Theatre Artists Studio presents Father Christmas and the Snow Queen from Friday, December 3, through Sunday, December 19. The show runs Friday nights at 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm.

Tickets are $20 General Admission, $15 for Groups of 10 or more and $10 for Children age 12 and under. NOTE: The Friday, December 10 performance is SOLD OUT.

A smoke machine and strobe lights are used in this show.

For more information or to obtain tickets, call 602-765-0120 or visit www.thestudiophx.org.

About Theatre Artist's Studio: The Studio is a member organization of actors, playwrights, directors, producers and designers founded to provide a place for theatre artists to work at their craft in an atmosphere which fosters mutual growth and collaboration through Studio affiliation. The Studio provides interaction between its members and the community by providing an opportunity to produce innovative projects, mentor emerging talent and establish an educational resource to celebrate the power and imagination of theatre.

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