LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE and LYTHGOE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS

are thrilled to announce their eighth Holiday Panto at the Playhouse!

JOELY FISHER starring in

A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS

Written by Kris Lythgoe

Directed by Bonnie Lythgoe

Musical Direction by Andy Street

Choreography by Becca Sweitzer

Your midnight wishes come true beginning Friday, December 7

 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach!

Laguna Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions are thrilled to announce Joely Fisher (“Ellen,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Sally Bowles” in Cabaret on Broadway, dir: Sam Mendes) starring as “The Baroness,”

Veronica Dunne (Disney’s “KC Undercover,” “Roxie Hart” in Chicago on Broadway) starring as “Cinderella,” Jennifer Leigh Warren starring as “The Fairy Godmother,” (Little Shop of Horrors, Big River, both on Broadway), and Ben Giroux starring as “Buttons,” (“Nate” in “Big Nate,” “Rick & Morty”) in A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS, written by Kris Lythgoe, directed by Bonnie Lythgoe, musical direction by Andy Street, and choreography by Becca Sweitzer. A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS will begin performances on Thursday, December 7; (with a press opening on Friday, December 8 at 7:00 pm); and runs through Friday, December 29 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.  

This holiday season, put on your glass slippers and join us for our annual Lythgoe Family Panto, A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS!  Based on the traditional British panto, where the audiences’ participation is part of the show, expect a hilarious, heartwarming evening full of song, dance and holiday merriment!  In A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS, the timeless rags to riches story of a young girl meeting her prince gets an exciting holiday makeover. A wild, wacky, and interactive holiday event, A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS sets the age-old fairytale of Cinderella to modern music, with a comical twist and incredible magic! Featuring songs like “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton and “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston, this year’s Panto promises to be the very best!                                                                                         

JOELY FISHER (“The Baroness”) Daughter of Hollywood legendary crooner Eddie Fisher and entertainment icon Connie Stevens, Joely Fisher was raised in the Los Angeles area educated in a dozen LA schools…continuing on to the Universite de Paris/Sorbonne and Emerson College in Boston. A triple-threat star of television, musical theatre, and motion pictures, her “sensational and sexy” turn as Sally Bowles in Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s critic darling revival of Cabaret on Broadway as well as the National touring company earned her rave reviews.  She also starred on Broadway in Tommy Tune’s revival of Grease. However, it was her five seasons as “Paige Clark,” Ellen’s best friend on the historic and groundbreaking ABC show, “Ellen,” that introduced her to television audiences around the world, and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.  She next starred opposite John Goodman in Fox’s series “Normal, Ohio,” and then spent two seasons starring in her own series “Wild Card” for Lifetime.  In 2005, she joined the cast of the hit television series “Desperate Housewives” where she played Felicity Huffman’s tough and very complex boss “Nina Fletcher.”  She also starred opposite Brad Garrett for four seasons in Fox’s “’Til Death,” and also on ABC’s “Last Man Standing” opposite Hector Elizondo. Her film credits have placed her opposite some of the finest actors in film, like Jim Carrey in The Mask, Steve Martin in Mixed Nuts, and Nick Nolte in I’ll Do Anything. Her crowning achievement to date was starring with Matthew Broderick in the $100 million-grossing Disney film Inspector Gadget.  Her television movies include the lead in NBC’s “Thirst,” Showtime’s “Jitters,” ABC’s “Seduction in a Small Town,” “Cupid” for Hallmark and Lifetime’s ripped from the headlines hit, “Girl in the Basement.”

In recent years Ms. Fisher has embarked on a directing career ranging in television show from “Sunset Fever,” to directing Laguna’s own “Cinderella,” Veronica Dunne in “KC Undercover,” to the socially conscious PSA campaigns for IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and for Welcome US, an organization started by Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg on Immigrant Heritage. She will make her feature directorial debut this January with Girls Gone Wine.  She has led the charge to improve the lives of members of SAG/AFTRA for the past few years and she is happy to be back in Laguna after a seven-year absence. Greatest role to date is mother of five.

The cast of A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS will also feature: Veronica Dunne as “Cinderella,” (Disney’s “KC Undercover,” Chicago on Broadway as “Roxie Hart”), Patrick Ortiz as “The Prince,” (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” as “Eddie,” “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “One Life to Live”), Jennifer Leigh Warren as “The Fairy Godmother,” (Little Shop of Horrors, Big River, both on Broadway), Ben Giroux as “Buttons,” (“Nate” in “Big Nate,” “Rick & Morty”), Austyn Myers as “Dandini,” (Les Miserables on Broadway, Rogers The Musical at Disney California Adventure), Jeff Sumner (Lythgoe’s The Wonderful Winter of Oz as “The Scarecrow” and Sleeping Beauty as “Nanny Tickle”) & Mark Gagliardi (“Blood and Treasure,” “Drunk History”) as “The Sisters.” Becky Lythgoe will perform select performances as “The Baroness” (“How I Met Your Mother,” “House M.D”).

The Ensemble will feature (in alphabetical order): Ashley Chavvaria, Alex Tho, and Alissa Wilsey.

BONNIE LYTHGOE (Director) With a career spanning more than 30 years, Bonnie’s achievements as a dancer, choreographer, director, TV presenter, TV producer and Broadway producer are second to none.  Starting her dancing career in the feature film “To Sir, With Love” starring Sidney Poitier, she followed up with a variety of choreography and directing roles including the world premieres of Robin Hood and Maid Marion: A Holiday Panto, Snow White, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Grease, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Full Monty, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Aladdin, West Side Story and Royal Variety for HRH Queen Elizabeth. With ongoing success in musical theatre, Bonnie served as a judge for a BBC singing reality series S Club Juniors created by Simon Fuller. She joined the next Simon Fuller venture, “American Idol,” where she served as a producer on the first three series before moving on to another new project, “So You Think You Can Dance,” for which she was both a judge and a producer for the first two series.

Bonnie then headed Down Under for “So You Think You Can Dance Australia.”  In 2011, Bonnie created Lythgoe Family Productions in Los Angeles with her son Kristopher. Together they have brought musical “Panto” to Los Angeles. The first production was Cinderella, followed by Snow White with Neil Patrick Harris. Well-known for her creativity and involvement in global television hits, Bonnie is dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across the world through fun, laughter and music.

BECCA SWEITZER (Choreographer) Her choreography has appeared on the TV shows “Jessie,” “Bunk’d,” “Code Black,” “AGT,” Fox’s “Alter Ego” and HBO’s Emmy nominated “We’re Here.”  Commercial credits include Ugg, Chrysler, Beats By Dre and Sensa, and music video credits include Scissor Sisters, Passenger, Raphael Saadiq, and Cher Lloyd. She’s worked with many high-profile drag queens on videos, television, tours, and notably, at Dolce & Gabbana’s Fashion Week party in Milan.

Theater credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Garry Marshall Theater) and Starmites (Open Fist Theater Company). She’s a three-time World Choreography Award nominee. Find performing credits at www.beccasweitzer.com.

ANDY STREET (Musical Direction) Television programs featuring his music are watched in over 100 countries throughout our world. His compositions, arrangements, and musical direction have won many major industry awards in England, Europe and the United States. He was the composer for “Madeline,” for which he was honored with an Emmy in 2003. He has continued to be a prolific composer in the television genre, wrote all the music for “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Angelina Ballerina,” and recently a new NBC/Universal show, for children, called “Norman Picklestripes.”  In 2012, Andy became the associate Musical Director and arranger for “American Idol” on Fox. He also mentored many of the successful singers on that show.  In October 2017, he was hired as Musical Director for a new variety series, Last Laugh in Vegas, featuring many variety stars of the past few decades in an all-new format, complete with orchestra, dancing girls, and the legendary Las Vegas razzmatazz!

Andy’s first love, though, has always been the theatre. His latest musical, Doodle opened in January 2018 in London.  This follows other productions, The Hard-Boiled Egg and The Wasp, and 27 Santas and an Elf Called Kevin, also from the pens of Street and his good friend Jonathan Kydd, which were staged successfully in London and New York. He is currently working with Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction) on a new thriller musical set in London in the 18920s and in Spring 2024 he is looking forward to working with acclaimed director Charlotte Ercoli, scoring her new feature film, Fior di Latte,” set in New York and Florence.

KRISTOPHER LYTHGOE (Writer/Producer) is so grateful to be back with Panto in Laguna. TV credits include: “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox), “Corkscrewed: The Wrath of Grapes” (Fox Reality), “Who Are You” (Fox), “On The Nose” (Tvg),

“My Beautiful Game” (Fox Soccer), “Soccer Superstar” (Nickelodeon), “Ellen’s Game Of Games” and “True Story” (NBC). Theatre credits: Footloose, The Wedding Singer and many American Pantos across the country.

Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy.  Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America.  Based on the Grimm fairy tales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well-known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together.

A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS: A HOLIDAY PANTO marks Lythgoe Family Panto’s eighth production at the historic Laguna Playhouse. Past Pantos at Laguna Playhouse include the world premiere of The Wonderful Winter of Oz starring Olivia Sanabia and Barry Pearl; Robin Hood & Maid Marion: A Holiday Panto starring Michael James Ryan and Sohm Kapila; Peter Pan & Tinker Bell: A Pirates’ Christmas, starring John O’Hurley, Lincoln Klauss and Ashley Argota; Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose starring Ashley Argota and Thomas Hobson; Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Kira Kosarin and Barry Pearl; Sleeping Beauty and her Winter Knight starring Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Joely Fisher & A Snow White Christmas starring Marina Sirtis and Lindsay Pearce. As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to develop theatre for young audiences, Lythgoe Family Panto together with Laguna Playhouse will bring the magic of Panto to hundreds of underserved children who attend school in Orange County.

 A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS will preview on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00pm (with a press opening on Friday, December 8 at 7:00 pm) and runs through Friday, December 29 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.  

Performances will be Thursdays & Fridays at 7:00 pm; Saturdays & Sundays at 11:00 am & 3:00 pm. There will no performances on Thursday, December 28 or Friday, December 29 at 7:00pm.                                                                

 There will be added performances on Thursday, December 21 at 3:00 pm; Friday, December 22 at 11:00am & 3:00PM; Saturday, December 23 at 7:00 pm; Wednesday, December 27 at 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm; Thursday, December 28 at 11:00 am & 3:00 pm and Friday, December 29 at 11:00 am & 3:00 pm.                                                                                                

Tickets range from $36 – $71 for adult tickets; $20 – $50 (for children 2 – 14). There is a $50 “Golden Ticket” add-on available for children ages 4-12 that includes a special onstage sing-along experience during the performance and a gift bag with special surprises!  Tickets can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229.  Prices subject to change.   

The box office is open Tuesdays – Sundays: 12pm to 4pm; Mondays open 2 hours prior to show time and until 15 minutes after curtain.  Open until showtime on all performance days.

Joely Fisher will perform “The Baroness” December 8 – December 17 & December 27 – 29; Becky Lythgoe will perform the role on Thursday, December 7 & all performances December 21 – 24.                      

COVID PROTOCOLS for the LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

 The Laguna Playhouse is no longer requiring vaccine or testing to attend performances. This policy is subject to change without notice and may not apply to every performance. Please see the performance listing and ticket buying page for specifics. Please visit

https://lagunaplayhouse.com/health-and-safety-policy/ for additional details    

 For more information on all shows and programming visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.  LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach. 

Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse (David Ellenstein, Artistic Director/Bill Kerlin, Managing Director) is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.      

Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.     

Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.

Learn What’s Going On at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Kayden Tokarski, a 14-year-old actress who plays a young Julia Roberts on the TV series “Gaslit,” will serve as the “Hometown Celebrity” for the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 9.

The parade, which will feature Academy Award-nominated actor, comedian Steve Oedekerk, starts at 10 am on Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Community Park.

Along with the STARZ series “Gaslit,” Kayden, who has won 22 best acting awards since 2020, stars in several films including the soon-to-be-released “Roswell Delirium” with Anthony Michael Hall, Dee Wallace and Reginald VelJohnson and “Curse of Vandor.” Kayden is also a recurring guest star on the popular Dhar Mann web series, which is designed to inspire people around the world with inspirational stories.

“I could not be more honored to be part of this longtime parade,” Kayden said. “I can’t wait to see everyone and share in the merriment of the season and this incredible event.”

According to the city of Laguna Niguel, the parade will boast several festive entries and a visit from Santa. Parking is available at the Ziggurat Federal Building,  24000 Avila Road, and a free shuttle will take folks to the route. People can walk to Crown Valley Parkway and find a spot on the route to view their favorite entries.

For more information, visit LagunaNiguel.org/HolidayParade. Information is available by contacting the Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation Department at 949-425-5100.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group are hoping every pet finds a great “Home for the Holidays.”

To support this pet adoption effort, from Dec 1-17, DAWG will sponsor the adoption fees for every pet at the shelter.  Approved adopters will only pay for the pet’s $20 microchip fee.

This special holiday promotion includes all dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits and any other pet available for adoption during those days. If you’re ready to make a shelter pet’s dream come true, then bring one “Home for the Holidays.”

Extremely rare cat is available for adoption  

An extremely rare cat is waiting for a forever home at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.   

Muggy is a 3-year-old Khao Manee, a rare breed from Thailand that translates to “white gem.” 

In fact, the Khao Manee is believed to be the rarest feline breed, and the “odd-eyed” type is the rarest variety.  Therefore, Muggy is incredibly rare since he has one blue and one green eye.  

The breed is also known as the “diamond eye cat” because of its signature jewel-like eyes that are green, blue, and sometimes gold. These extraordinary and beautiful cats are known to be playful, friendly, curious and outgoing. They are devoted to their owners and are intelligent cats that have an endearing sense of naughtiness. Muggy has all those traits and more. He is extremely social and talkative, especially when he’s hungry.  

If you’re looking for a lively and spirited cat to join your active household, Muggy is your match. Meet this special cat at 28095 Hillcrest or contact 949-470-3045.  

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is located at 28095 Hillcrest. For more information, visit this link or call 949-470-3045.

Kelly Tokarski

Public Information Specialist

Special Opening Night Ceremony and Programming on Saturday, December 2

Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights returns to historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on select evenings from December 3 through 30.  A combination of reverence and holiday traditions, the annual celebration features a musical tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, large-scale nativity scene, selfies with Santa, live holiday performances, expanded light features and extended hours this year.

Capistrano Lights tickets include all-day Mission admission, multi-language Capistrano Lights audio tour and holiday programming from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 5:05 p.m.

Hours are extended to 8:00 p.m. for a special opening night ceremony on Saturday, December 2 prior to the tree lighting featuring a special welcome by Mission San Juan Capistrano pastor, Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan and reading of the Gospel.

New lighting features to illuminate the California Landmark include lighted halos, poppy field, swallows, scented citrus grove, lighted cactus garden, bells and lanterns along with various performances throughout the Mission grounds.

Capistrano Lights traditions return with community-designed Christmas trees, family wreaths, large-scale nativity scene in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church (circa 1806), prayer candles, extended backdrops for holiday photos, children’s crafts by AR Workshop, refreshments by 3:16 Bakery Shop and Rancho Capistrano Winery wine nights on Saturdays.

Event details and tickets are available at www.capistranolights.com. Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano.

Capistrano Lights underwriters include American Endowment Foundation, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Mike Ahumada Realtor SJC-Specialist, Rancho Capistrano Winery and 3:16 Bakery Shop.

About Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features permanent exhibits with original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits. Orange County’s only Mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, The Great Stone Church and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing and promotes faith, education, preservation and cultural event programming.

Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junipero Serra as the seventh of 21 California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance.

Photo Credit: Mission SJC

Barbara Kimler PR

Join in on Festivities With the Return of Highly-Anticipated Holiday Happenings, Including

 Happy Harbor Days and the Annual Boat Parade of Lights 

Image courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. 

Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) is spreading cheer and brightening this merry season by hosting the annual holiday light display, consisting of over 700,000 LED lights. Set to illuminate the Harbor November 15 through mid-January, Happy Harbor Days offers themed light exhibits including a giant whale sculpture, lit-up palm trees, a giant beach ball ornament stack, and the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch. Throughout the holiday season, visitors and locals can enjoy live music, visits with Santa, waterfront restaurant offerings, boutique holiday shopping and more.

The highly anticipated Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season for its 48th celebration from December 8 – 10. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and is sure to be sweet with this year’s “Candyland” theme. Boaters will decorate their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more.

Santa Claus will visit the Harbor on December 8 & 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. and take residence in front of the classic Dana Point Harbor VW bus in the Clock Courtyard. On November 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. visitors can book professional photos with Santa in front of the holiday-themed photo op created by Style My Holidays. The holiday display will remain up throughout the month of December for all to enjoy.

Additional Holiday Happenings:

Little Folk Club returns December 15 and invites children of all ages to bring their favorite instrument for a special Christmas sing-along. To spread the holiday cheer, face painting and crafts for little ones will also be available. Little Folk Club takes place in the Clock Courtyard from 10 – 11 a.m.

The Pet Project Foundation will host its annual Santa Paws on December 9 & 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos will be offered for small donations with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will also host the annual Boat Rides with Santa on December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation with proceeds supporting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations will be required. Visit danawharf.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on Holidays at the Harbor visit danapointharbor.com/events/.

About Dana Point Harbor: Dana Point Harbor invites you to enjoy fun, sun, ocean activities, delicious dining, shopping and more. From migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to stunning sunsets and harbor views, there’s seaside beauty and unforgettable adventure at Dana Point Harbor. For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

About Dana Point Harbor Partners: Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC (DPHP), a collaboration created to operate and redevelop Dana Point Harbor in a P-3 partnership with the County of Orange, is made up of three “best in class” real estate development firms, each specializing in a unique product type. Burnham Ward Properties is responsible for stewarding the harbor’s Commercial Core activities featuring the retail, restaurants, offices and other landside buildings, as well as all parkscape areas. Bellwether Financial Group guides the marina operations including the boat slips, boater facilities, dry boat storage, day-boat parking and launch ramp areas. R.D. Olson Development leads the hotel redevelopment and hospitality components of the harbor.

The partnership is developing a master plan that connects the harbor’s landside and waterside to become a singular cohesive waterfront experience. United by a love of the water and dedicated to preserving Dana Point Harbor’s historical significance, the partnership is applying all areas of respective expertise to ensure every element of the harbor will be thoughtfully designed, redeveloped and managed to be reimagined into a world-class destination with historic roots and local charm.