For the last few years, the Pasadena Playhouse has been doing original Christmas Musicals made up of pop songs from various artists and using a fairy tale story as it's core. It has nothing to do with the Disney version and it was almost amusing how they would come close to using the Disney aspects, but made sure that any of the new characters that were added for the Disney version would be named a little bit different. (ex. this show had Princess Yasmine instead of Jasmine). I think the producers of American Idol are who does the shows. The star was some kid of of Nickelodeon. His mother was played by Bruce Vilanch and Ben Vereen was the Genie. During the run, not only do they have a matinee and evening shows, but also have a morning show. It's audience is mainly for kids. Considering how loose the structure of the show was, it was actually quite enjoyable. I went with a friend who knows Bruce and so we got to see him after the show. We saw the matinee, so he was beat and had one more show to look forward to. I also got to meet Ben Vereen backstage, which I usually don't get excited to meet many people in person, but it's freaking Ben Vereen. As usual, I was shy and just told him it was an honor to meet him. I will have to locate the program, I know it's around here somewhere.
