People’s Light is celebrating the return of its beloved holiday tradition with Peter Panto: A Musical Panto, running Nov. 20-Jan. 5.

This family-friendly production is written by Jennifer Childs with music, lyrics, and arrangements by Alex Bechtel and directed by Bill Fennelly.

Perfect for audiences ages five to 105, this year’s holiday panto brings a playful twist to J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan. In Peter Panto, the mischievous and magical Peter teams up with Wendy, Tinkerbell, and an eccentric cast of characters to take on the dastardly Captain Hook in a musical, interactive adventure filled with laughs, songs, and plenty of audience participation. It’s a story of friendship, courage, and the timeless magic of Neverland.

Audiences can look forward to dynamic performances from a multi-talented cast of Broadway and regional actors, featuring Philly-based Panto Veteran Eli Lynn as Peter, Courter Simmons (Jersey Boys) as Tinkerbell, and Jamison Stern (By Jeeves) as Captain Hook. Local favorites, including People’s Light Company Artists Liz Filios, Susan McKey, and Mary Elizabeth Scallen, will also combine their skills with the playful spirit of panto to create an unforgettable show for both new and returning audiences

“At People’s Light, we are proud to be at the forefront of creating and staging pantos that capture the imagination of audiences in a way unlike any other theatre company in the region or across the country,” said Zak Berkman, Producing Artistic Director at People’s Light. “Our pantos are more than just holiday shows — they are opportunities for families and communities to come together, share laughter, and celebrate the magic of live theatre. We are excited to bring Peter Panto to life this year with a fresh take that will entertain and delight audiences.”

Fennelly stated, “As a story, Peter Pan captures the spirit of youthful wonder, imagination, and hope — qualities that are at the very heart of the holiday season. It’s a time when families come together to embrace the magic of possibility, and Peter Panto brings that sense of joy and adventure to life on stage. The show is the perfect holiday experience, blending humor, heart, and a touch of mischief that resonates with audiences of all ages.”

Performance and Ticket Details

Dates: Nov. 20, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
Location: People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern
Tickets: Start at $35 and are available here or by calling the Box Office at (610) 644-3500.
Number of Performances: 41 

People’s Light offers a range of ticket discounts, including youth tickets, 50 percent off Access Nights, 25 percent off for educators and military, and discounted student and industry tickets. The Access Night performances for Peter Panto: A Musical Panto are on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:00 PM and Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:00 PM. 

The organization will also host a Relaxed Performance on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 PM, when traditional theatre rules are relaxed and additional accessibility accommodations are available. This performance offers Audio Description and American Sign Language Interpretation and encourages a “shush-free” environment where audience members are free to move around or vocalize as needed.

Peter Panto: A Musical has an expected runtime of two hours with a 15-minute intermission. For more details on Peter Panto: A Musical Panto performances, cast, ticketing, 50th-anniversary celebrations, and more, visit People’s Light. Founded in 1974, People’s Light is celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished professional non-profit theatres. For five decades, the company has been a vital cultural and civic center known for its resident company of artists, a diverse array of productions, and innovative programming that engages young people and the broader community. As the theatre marks this milestone year, People’s Light continues to invite and create opportunities for diverse communities to discover and celebrate our shared humanity through the transformative power of live theatre.