Announcing the 2022 Panto in the Presidio

23 PERFORMANCES OF OVER-THE-TOP HUMOR, MUSICAL PARODIES, LAVISH COSTUMES AND RAUCOUS FAMILY FUN.

The annual holiday tradition of Panto returns to the Presidio Theatre with a new production of Sleeping Beauty full of magic, humor, music, dance and a message of hope for all ages in 23 performances December 1 through 30. The over-the-top musical re- imagining of the classic fairytale is set in the magical kingdom of Pantoland, a mythical realm that bears a striking resemblance to contemporary San Francisco. Panto is a traditional British holiday entertainment that combines slapstick humor, one-line zingers, outrageous characters and send-ups of current events. The new production of Sleeping Beauty features familiar characters including the princess and prince, an evil witch and fairy godmothers, and adds a chorus of singing chickens and a lovable rooster named Pecker that audiences will remember from last year’s Panto, The Magic Lamp. New this year, audiences will be treated to interactive experiences in the lobbies and outdoor plaza of the theatre with cast members before curtain and during intermission. For more information, visit www.presidiotheatre.org .

Twenty-three performances will be given December 1–30, 2022, including two discounted public preview performances Thursday, December 1, at 6 pm; and Friday, December 2, at 6 pm. Opening night will be Saturday, December 3, at 6 pm; and subsequent performances Thursday, December 8, at 6 pm; Friday, December 9, at 6 pm; Saturday, December 10, at 1 and 6 pm; Sunday, December 11, at 1 pm; Thursday, December 15, at 6 pm;

Friday, December 16, at 6 pm; Saturday, December 17, at 1 and 6 pm; Sunday, December 18, at 1 pm; Thursday, December 22, at 6 pm; Friday, December 23, at 1 and 6 pm; Saturday, December 24, at 1 pm; Monday, December 26, at 1 and 6 pm; Tuesday, December 27, at 1 pm; Wednesday, December 28, at 1 pm; Thursday, December 29, at 6 pm; and Friday, December 30, at 6 pm. The show is 100 minutes with one intermission.

Tickets, priced $20-$40, may be purchased here. Tickets are half-off until June 15, and thereafter full-priced tickets will be $40 for adults, $30 for seniors (65+), and $20 for youth (under 18). Families and friend groups of four or more will receive a Family Pack discount of 20%. (Discount automatically applied at checkout.)

“Our annual Panto productions are a great way to let loose, bring the kids and find the kid in all of us,” says Executive Producer Peggy Haas. “One of the world’s most popular theater traditions, Panto does not take itself too seriously, but delivers an uplifting message of coming together and hope. We look forward to seeing familiar audiences members and welcoming newbies to the raucous and purely fun delights of Panto!”

Director Liam Vincent adds, “This Sleeping Beauty will be an immersive, audience-interactive experience full of magic, fairy-tale mystery, laughs, spell casting, pop-songs that you know and love, and fun for the whole family.”

About the Creative Team

Executive Producer Peggy Haas has assembled an all-star creative team including director Liam Vincent. The show will feature magnificent costumes by Alina Bokovikova and production design by Sean Riley. International music legend Mason Williams and musical director Bill Keck will create a whimsical score for the show featuring pop and classic rock songs with re-written lyrics. Writers are Stephanie Brown and Richard Ciccarone along with production dramaturgs Christine Nicholson and Luther Hanson. Technical director Jeff Gregory, production manager Patty Ann Farrell, choreographer Stacey Printz, assistant director Phoebe Angeni, and casting director Annie Stuart complete the team.