Let Down Your Hair! Panto is back.

The Fringe Theatre returns to Christ Episcopal Church one weekend of fun March 27 - 29 with another original Panto production. Rapunzel: An American Panto Mashup tells the story of a defiant Rapunzel, her trusty sidekick Rascal the dog, and their adventures to escape the evil witch. All while the royal family and their villagers ready themselves for the Prince’s long awaited wedding.

While this show will be familiar, including many of the elements of this traditional story, Panto brings a fresh spin with new characters, jokes, popular music, and dance numbers. The audience is a huge help to our heroes by shouting, singing, and dancing with the cast. Writer, director, and choreographer, Hope Ausiello, is thrilled to bring this original piece to the stage: “I am so happy to be back working with The Fringe Theatre on another Panto! This was a wonderful experience and a goal of mine to write, direct and choreograph a show. I am looking forward to showcasing this amazing cast and presenting another great Panto to the Needham community.”

This is the 6th Panto production put on by The Fringe Theatre. The group is made up of local actors - adults and children alike. Panto veteran and Needham resident, Jessica Lewis, has been performing in these zany shows since Ian Hilder founded the group in 2009. And the Vargas - actress, Charlotte and her father and Scenic Designer, George- also of Needham, define what makes this group special by making it a family affair. “It’s nice to do something together and that we’re both involved in something we like to do,” Charlotte says. “Being part of the group is like being part of a family.”

They and many others have been involved with the group for years. But always welcoming new members to share in this fun form of entertainment more than 10 are making their Panto performance debut.

Join The Fringe Theatre and let down your hair with a night at the theater: Friday, March 27 at 7:30 pm, Saturday March 28 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, March 29 at 2:30pm. All performances are held at Christ Episcopal Church at 1132 Highland Ave, Needham MA, 02494. Tickets available at www.thefringetheatre.org/order-tickets or contact thefringetheatrema@gmail.com.