Lythgoe Family Productions Presents Cinderella: A Modern Musical Extravaganza

Sept. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Lythgoe Family Productions
Magic Pictures International and Jason Haigh-Ellery Present
A Modern Musical Extravaganza
CINDERELLA
A Traditional London Panto
At the El Portal Theatre
November 27th - December 19th 2010

Lythgoe Family Productions, Magic Pictures International and Jason Haigh-Ellery present CINDERELLA a Modern Musical Extravaganza! at the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from November 27-December 19, 2010.  The Gala opening night on Saturday, November 27th will be a major fundraiser for LA’S Best recognized as one of the nation’s top after school programs.

In the style of the outrageous British holiday pantos, the Lythgoe Family (the people responsible for So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol) bring this wild, wacky and interactive holiday event to the States. The age-old fairytale of Cinderella is set to modern music, including Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway,” Michael Buble’s “Just Haven’t Met You Yet,” and Jennifer Lopez’ “Let’s Get Loud.” This U.S. premiere panto has a comical twist and incredible magic such as a pumpkin turning into a carriage with real live ponies right before your very eyes!

This production stars FREDDIE STROMA (HARRY POTTER) as Prince Charming, JERRY MATHERS (Leave it to Beaver) as Cinderella’s Father and Broadway sensation JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN as The Fairy Godmother. The production will be helmed by BONNIE LYTHGOE from So You Think You Can Dance Australia, choreographed by Dancing With the Stars star MARK BALLAS and will feature magic by award-winning magician ED ALONZO, and fantastic costumes direct from London. The production also includes British comedian BENNY HARRIS as Buttons, introduces EDDIE DRISCOLL and MARK EDGAR STEPHENS as Evil Step Sisters Cowel & Seecrest, and features special guest star "Blitzen" – the white pony.

“Panto is for the whole family and something that truly unites family together in fun and entertainment,” says Kris Lythgoe, Executive Producer and CEO of Magic Pictures International. “It’s a must see over this holiday season.”  This British version of Cinderella is fun for the kids, but clever enough to delight adults, a treat for the entire family.
After months of searching Southern California, the producers and celebrity judges, KARA DIOGUARDI, MARY MURPHY AND MICHAEL JOHNS whittled down 700 performers to just 30. On Tuesday, October 5, a panel of celebrity judges, including NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, FREDDIE STROMA AND BONNIE LYTHGOE, will select one young lady from the final 30 to star as the dazzling CINDERELLA.

Built in 1926, the El Portal Theatre is an historical landmark located in the heart of NoHo. The El Portal theatre opened in the San Fernando Valley, as a vaudeville and silent movie theatre. During the sound era, it became one of the city's most prominent second-run houses. It eventually became an all-Spanish language movie theatre. Rebuilt in the late 90s and opened in January of 2000, the once 1400-seat movie palace now houses three theatres -- the 42-seat Studio Theatre (the permanent home of Theatre Tribe), the 95-seat Forum, and the 400-seat MainStage -- along with the Judith Kaufman Art Gallery, featuring many of Los Angeles visual artists.
For tickets and information please call 818-508-4200. Or online at www.elportaltheatre.com


CALENDAR LISTING

Lythgoe Family Productions,
Magic Pictures International and Jason Haigh-Ellery Present
A Modern Musical Extravaganza
CINDERELLA
A Traditional London Panto

Directed by Bonnie Lythgoe
Choreographed by Mark Ballas
Magic by Ed Alonzo

CAST
Freddie Stroma as Prince Charming 

Jerry Mathers as Baron Hardup
Jennifer Leigh Warren as The Fairy Godmother
Benny Harris as Buttons

Eddie Driscoll as Evil Step Sister Cowel
Mark Edgar Stephens as Evil Step Sister Seecrest




SHOWTIMES:
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 19
Opening: Saturday, November 27 at 8pm
Closes:  Sunday, October 24 at 3PM


Regular Schedule:
Sunday, November 28 at 11 AM, 2PM, 7PM
Tuesday, November 30 & Tuesday, December 7 at 7PM
Tuesday, December 14 at 2PM & 7PM
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays at 2PM & 7PM
Saturdays at 11AM, 3PM & 7PM


TICKETS:
ADULTS $45
CHILDREN $25

For Tickets call:
818-508-4200
866-811-4111

Or order online: www.elportaltheatre.com

For Press Seats please contact:
Forrest & Associates
Pegge Forrest - Jay Irwin
Phone 818-508-0281/818-693-0964