Aris Theatre brings new magic to an old classic in production of 'Cinderella: A Christmas Panto'

Kathleen McManus as "Fairy Godmother" in "Cinderella: A Christmas Panto." (Courtesy of Aris Theatre)

What’s old is new as Arís Theatre Company presents “Cinderella” to The Academy Theatre in Hapeville. The stage adaptation by Karl Harpur for children of all ages brings Pantomime, or Panto, a very old style of theater in the UK, with a blend of vaudeville, a fairytale love story, and karaoke-style singing to create a new sensation.

The show runs from Dec. 15-23. In this interview, the Irish writer Karl Harpur and director John Ammerman joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk more about the production. 

“It’s got musical comedy to it, it’s got Vaudeville and clowning, there’s gags and sound effects,” Harpur says.

Aris Theatre’s “CINDERELLA: A Christmas Panto” is on stage at The Academy Theatre in Hapeville December 15-23. More information is available here.