"Panto Theater is all about bringing family together with music". This Holiday Season The Lythgoe Family has collaborated with TPAC to take Nashville families on an entertaining, interactive, magical journey to Never Never land with "Peter Pan and Tinkerbell's Pirate Christmas".
The Lythgoe family have become well known for producing fun, affordable musical theater the whole family can enjoy. In addition, they are also the creative masterminds behind some of America's most popular hit television shows such as "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance". The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating memorable experiences the entire family can share. They have DEFINITELY hit a Home Run with this American Panto production which combines a well known classic fairy tale story with familiar pop songs every kid in the audience can relate to.
| John O’Hurley, Ben Giroux, Garrett Clayton and cast of Lythgoe Family Panto production of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas at TPAC. |
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Lets talk about the Talent
Although we had the opportunity to attend a sneak peek preview of this comical, kid friendly holiday musical, nothing prepared me for how absolutely PERFECTLY the individual roles were paired to each performer. The Lythgoes casted an All Star Team who bring the most quintessential combination of charm, wit and raw talent to the stage. Some of the familiar faces you'll see include:
* Teen Heart Throb and Disney Channel Star Garret Clayton, best known for this leading role in "Teen Beach Movie" gives Peter Pan the ideal amount of boyish charm. With his classic good looks and impeccable singing voice, Clayton is captivating to watch as he effortlessly flys across the stage throughout the performance.
* Nashville Native and American Idol Alumni Diana DeGarmo plays a sassy, spunky Tinkerbell accented with a hint of that "Tennessee" drawl fellow Southerners are born to love. With her glowing neon shoes, glitter infused hair and adorable fairy costume DeGarmo is definitely in the running for "most entertaining" as well as the fan favorite award. In addition she gives a knock out rendition of a well known, toe tapping Aretha Franklin hit "You Better Think".
* Perhaps the most distinct character of all is Captain Hook played by John O Hurley of "Seinfield". He is the one you will "hate to love" but mostly "love to hate" as his never ending plot to sabotage Peter Pan and the Lost Boys keeps the audience fully engaged while subconsciously feeding into his deranged sense of humor.
* The young Tegan Marie, a mere age 14, brings an innocent and endearing quality to the character Wendy. However do not for one second be fooled. The Grand Ole Opry Star also brings a set of Power House vocals as her 3 solo songs "Don't Let Me Down", "There You'll Be" and "How To Make A Boy Cry" (which by the way I haven't been able to stop humming) will give you chills.
* The fierce Clarice Ordaz, an accomplished entertainment professional, LA Native, and a top 5 performer from the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance" encompasses the strong, warrior like features of Tiger Lily to a tee. Her tribal dance choreographed by Broadway's Spencer Liff is powerful, energetic and absolutely mesmerizing.
* The Lost Boys as well as Wendy's adorable little brothers were all locally cast from the Nashville and surrounding areas. Each did a phenomenal job in their respective roles and also serve as an inspiration to those young audience members who may have aspirations of acting one day to continue to pursue their passion.
| Peyton White, Diana DeGarmo, Ariana Crowder, and Bridget Whitman in Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. |
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A Little Bit Of Local Love
Another unique quality which makes this performance so special are the local shout outs and references interwoven throughout the script and executed at just the right moments during the show. The ring leader of the "Pun-Tastic" local themed rhetoric is the insanely funny Ben Giroux, aka pirate Smee, who kept parents and children alike in "stitches" most of the night. But what is a "Ring Leader" without a few equally hysterical sidekicks? Giroux's "Pirate" partners in crime consist of: A mumbling, hip popping Elvis Presley (Dan Castiglione), a soft spoken, sequin glove dotting Michael Jackson (Malcolm Buchanan) and a super chill, Beetles song lyric quoting John Lennon (Mason Trueblood). Between these four unhinged, unpredictable characters there are hilarious references to: Bank Of America (the name of the ship and also a sponsor), Delta Dental, Hattie B's, Centennial Park, The Grand Ole Opry and even the incredibly annoying "Nashville Pedal Tavern" girls (who LOVE to talk about their marital status). The added local flair is what this Panto is famous for and rightly so as it gives a much more personalized feel to the show.
| Tegan Marie as Wendy and Garrett Clayton as Peter Pan in the TPAC and Lythgoe Family Panto presentation of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. |
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Making Magical Holiday Memories Together
Christmas isn't just about expensive gifts, it is also about experiencing the warmth, joy and magic only this time of the year brings. Lythgoe's "Peter Pan and and Tinkerbell's Pirate Christmas" is the unforgettable holiday fun that your family is looking for. Your kids will BOO Captain Hook when he tells of his evil plan to capture Peter. Cheer when Tinkerbell is saved from inevitable danger. Laugh at the silliness of the "Pirate Crew" and last but not least squeal with delight as snow falls from the ceiling during the grande finale (spoiler alert).
Find Your Holiday Family Fun with this star-led production filled with dancing, singing, comedy, Taylor Swift songs and local/regional references. I promise there is something for EVERYone. Not only will this become a new holiday tradition, you and your family will walk away with priceless memories which are sure to last a lifetime.
Lythgoe Family Panto & TPAC present:
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate’s Christmas
Dec. 13 – 23; All ages
TPAC’s Polk Theater
505 Deaderick St., Nashville
615-782-4040 | tpac.org
Showtimes:
Sunday, Dec. 16: 1 & 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 20: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 21: 1 & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 22: 1 & 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 23: 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.
Tickets:
$45 – $55. Get a family four-pack of tickets for $99 by using the promo code WENDY.
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