We venture down the rabbit hole in a brand-new holiday panto! On her first day of skiddle mool—oops, we mean middle school!—Alice Liddle stumbles upon a strange book in the library and ends up in a mysterious, magical place. Cheer the heroes, boo the bad guys, and help Alice find her way home in this panto-tastic take on Lewis Carroll's madcap classic. Recommended for ages 5 to 105!
The panto has been a People’s Light signature for almost two decades. With origins dating back to commedia dell’arte, the "pantomime" takes a well-known children's story and turns it on its ear. Audiences of all ages gather in droves to partake in the songs, dances, topical jokes, and jovial camaraderie of this longstanding tradition. This year, People’s Light is thrilled to welcome award-winning drag performer Eric Jaffe as the audience’s new guide through the magical mayhem in the role of Dinah/Cheshire Cat. We send our love to People's Light Panto pioneer Mark Lazar, now living in Florida and enjoying the sunshine with family.
Individual Sponsor: Deborah Holt Weil
Run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Matinee performances begin at 2pm; evening performances at 7pm. Masks are currently required indoors at People's Light except when actively eating or drinking. Learn more here.
Start your engines!! Stay after the matinee on Wednesday, December 21st, to join Eric Jaffe - award-winning drag queen and Alice in Wonderland's guide - as she hosts the first ever People's Light Drag Show! Starring local drag talent from the Alice in Wonderland design team and cast: Sapphira Cristal, Pi, Avery Goodname, Danny Wilfred and Eli Lynn, with an appearance by Director Bill Fennelly. Just like our Panto, this event is for everybody from age 5 to 105!
After the 2pm performance on Wednesday, December 21
Relaxed Performances offer a judgment-free environment that invites individuals with autism, ADD, ADHD, dementia, and other sensory sensitivities to enjoy theatre in a relaxed, “shush-free” zone—a great option for parents with young children, too. For each Relaxed Performance, we offer a pre-show Sensory Tour, during which patrons are able to enter the theatre space, view the set and props, and ask questions. This RP features ASL interpretation, and audio description is available upon request.
Sunday, December 11 at 2pm
This performance features American Sign Language interpretation provided by Hands UP Productions. Audio description, provided by Nicole Sardella, is available upon request during this performance. This is also a Relaxed Performance.
Sunday, December 11 at 2pm
During every performance this week, dialogue appears on an LED screen placed near the stage to benefit patrons with hearing impairments, as well as English language learners.
December 27–January 1
To expand access to our work, we offer 50%-off Access Nights throughout the season. The discount is automatic for this performance, no promo code required.
Friday, November 18 at 7pm
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"Every aspect of this production is impeccably done""Outstanding"
"Jubilant fun for all of the generations"
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"A definite must-see!""Effervescent and delightful"
"The perfect way to celebrate the holidays ... I wouldn’t change a single thing about this performance."
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"When I say you will leave full of smiles I mean it.""Expect to laugh, learn, catch a lesson, sing, and dance."
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"The panto is back, now in the capable hands of comedic playwright and director Jennifer Childs, cofounder of Philadelphia’s 1812 Productions ... 'There’s a rambunctiousness [to the panto] that felt very familiar to me.'"
