Lythgoe Family Pantos’ Hold Auditions for Upcoming Play ‘A Cinderella Christmas’

More than 100 kids ranging from ages 5-13 years old came out this past weekend to audition for a role in the play.

Story and Photos
By Kayla Hodge

This past weekend Kristopher and Becky Lythgoe held auditions for the fifth season of their American Panto ‘A Cinderella Christmas.’ Over 100 kids ranging from ages 5-13 years old came out to audition for a role in the play.

‘A Cinderella Christmas’ is a Lythgoe Family Panto Production. A “Panto” is another word for a play, but is its own form of musical theatre where you can break the fourth wall and interact with the audience and sing along to modern day songs – as opposed to traditional songs you would know from watching the old movies or other plays. This Panto will feature comedy, magic, professional dancers, and contemporary music from Taylor Swift to The Bee Gees.

The Lythgoe Family is known for their involvement in some of the most popular shows like “American Idol,” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” and is dedicated to bring affordable theatre to families all over America.

I got a chance to sit down with Kris and Becky Lythgoe to ask them how it is producing a family play. Kris Lythgoe stated that “The pros are that you get to introduce theatre to kids, it originated in Britain so bringing it to America is fun, the cons is that it’s a lot of hard work, and just making sure everything is set.”

Becky Lythgoe, Kris Lythgoe, and Choreographer Mario Mosley watch as they make hard decisions to keep or cut kids during auditions.

Becky Lythgoe said that the audience can expect “something you can bring multi generations of people to … be able to sing-a-long from your seat, have a lot of heart-felt moments, and experience a lot of really great talent. Expect magic and Family fun.”

Choreographer Mario Mosley has been choreographing for more than 20 years. He has worked in the film Dream Girls dancing alongside Beyoncé, Brittney Spears, Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake.

Mosley was the youth supervising choreographer who handled all the children’s auditions, and is the casting director for all auditions taking place throughout Southern California. Mosley said he loves choreographing kids, it’s so much fun, laughter, talent and raw energy that he loves to be around.

Mosley shared that some good things about choreographing kids is that there is not a lot of ego going on, it’s always a good time, kids help each other – whereas when they are older you don’t get a lot of help from peers, on the other hand there’s not much cons because I love it but it is harder to get them under control (laughs), you have to be a little more demanding but overall it is such a joy.” Mosely also stated, “We want the audience to come have a good time, to leave all your problems at home for a couple hours and just come enjoy great talent, and great music.”

Mario Mosley as he coaches and tells the kids to relax and have fun.

‘A Cinderella Christmas’ will have a gala opening night at The Pasadena Playhouse on Dec. 8, 2016 and will run all the way until Jan. 8, 2017. On opening night, the show will start promptly at 7:30 p.m.

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 S. El Molino Ave, Pasadena CA 91101.

Performance Schedule is Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Special Matinees are Dec. 23, 26, 28, 30, and Jan. 4 and 5 – all starting at 3 p.m.

Tickets will range from $25- $125. Golden Tickets are available as an add-on to any child’s ticket for an additional $75 (with a limit of 10 tickets). The Golden ticket is an opportunity for the children to come on stage for a sing-a-long experience during production and a gift bag with special surprises!

Tickets are available by calling the Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529.

READ MORE: Lythgoe Family Productions Betting on Panto        

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