Just in time for the holidays comes writer Kris Lythgoe's delightful reimagining of this fairy tale nicely packaged in the style of British panto, along with pop culture references, songs, music and stagecraft magic. Though it's geared more for children, there is much here for adults to enjoy. Ariana Grande (who sings beautifully) does the honors as Snow White, whose beauty raises the ire and envy of the Wicked Queen (Charlene Tilton, channeling Cruella De Vil and Bette Midler), who then dispatches Herman the Huntsman (David Figlioli) and Muddles the Jester (the hilarious Jonathan Meza) to kill her. But these softies can't do it, and Snow White eventually finds shelter at the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs. When the Queen consults her magic mirror (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris) and finds out Snow White is still alive, she visits the cottage and tricks Snow into biting a poisoned apple, which makes for a happy ending when Prince Harry (Curt Hansen) revives our heroine with a kiss. Director Bonnie Lythgoe gets fine performances from the cast and skillfully blends all the production elements. The costumes by Julia Clancey, Kleev Guessford and Donna Maas are gorgeous, as are the colorful scenic backdrops. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena; Tues.-Fri,. 7 p.m.; Sat.,11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; special Christmas Eve performances, Mon., Dec. 24, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.; through Dec. 30. (626) 356-7529, pasadenaplayhouse.org.

Tuesdays-Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 24, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Starts: Dec. 12. Continues through Dec. 30, 2012

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