The Pasadena Playhouse will launch “A Cinderella Christmas” with a special tree lighting celebration on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the playhouse. “A Cinderella Christmas,” a Lythgoe Family Production, runs from Thursday, Dec. 8 through Jan. 8.

The tree lighting celebration is hosted by Ben Giroux, of CW’s “Hart of Dixie,” and includes performances by Dawnn Lewis, of “A Different World,” The Bob Baker Marionettes and Alex Newell, of “Glee.” Special guests include Assemblyman Chris Holden and his wife Melanie Caldwell-Holden, and Lauren Taylor (pictured), who stars as Cinderella in “A Cinderella Christmas.”

(photo by F. Scott Schafer)

“I can’t think of a better way to usher in the holiday season with a tree lighting celebration before next week’s opening of our production of ‘A Cinderella Christmas,’” said Danny Feldman, producing artistic director of the Pasadena Playhouse.

“A Cinderella Christmas” also stars Morgan Fairchild as Baroness Hardup, and Alex Newell as the Fairy God Person. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday; noon and 4 p.m., Sunday. Special matinees are at 3 p.m. on selected dates. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Ave. Call (626)356-7529, or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.