Sleeping Beauty
The Arden Theatre Company continues to present some of the highest-quality children’s theatre in Philadelphia. Sleeping Beauty, on the Arden’s Haas Stage from now until January 27th, is an engaging, beautifully staged production with broad appeal.
Two witches, rival sisters Branwen and Modron, bicker over the fate of the infant Briar Rose. Modron, whose machinations will eventually lead to a dreadful encounter with a spindle, is thwarted by gentle Branwen, who places the baby into the care of the local childless King and Queen.
The ensuing fairy tale is a twist on the classic story of Sleeping Beauty, complete with flirtatious fairies, an acrobatic dragon, dueling witches, a Spider King and an adorably naïve Prince who must come to terms with kissing his lovely best friend, the somnolent princess Briar Rose.
With a fresh and funny script by Charles Way that will appeal to all ages, the Arden’s Sleeping Beauty captivates. A multi-cultural theme refreshes the fairy tale, from multi-racial casting to a ceremony that includes both a happy bishop and The Bright Witch. A subtly layered set by Kris Stone combines large and life-sized elements. As the backdrop to the throes of Briar Rose’s adolescence, the set echoes the script’s poignant theme of passing time, realizing images of minutes, hours, days and seasons. Graceful movement of set pieces facilitates the dual focus of many scenes. The illumination and sound, including original composition by Jorge Cousinea and lighting design from Brian Lilienthal, are full of delightful and creative effects, and the detail of even the tiniest props entrances the audience. Whit MacLaughlin’s direction creates years of thrilling expeditions on a small, spare stage that leaves plenty of room for the most energetic dancing and swordfights.
An ensemble cast of just seven shines. Nako Adodoadji is a feisty and appealing Briar Rose. David Raphaely, the gangly, insecure Prince Owain, grunts and wails his way through much travail. (His dancing will remind you heavily of a certain llama-feeding, curly-haired teenager from Idaho.) Doug Hara is an acrobatic delight in the role of wistful half-dragon Gryff. Mary Elizabeth Scallen and stage veteran Paul Nolan play the quintessential King and Queen, with Nolan doubling as a riddling, many-eyed Spider King. You never know where Sally Mercer and Cathy Simpson will appear, facing off as Dark Witch Modron and Bright Witch Branwen. Richard St. Clair’s fun, evocative and versatile costume pieces aid the ensemble’s transformations, from child to teenager and from fairies to spiders.
This production offers a special treat - after every performance, families can stay after the bows for a chance to ask the actors all about the show. Kids’ excited questions for the performers reveal disbelief suspended for the wonder that obscures the artifice onstage. Sleeping Beauty lives up to the Arden’s reputation as Philadelphia Magazine’s "Best of Philly" children’s theatre for the third straight year. Sleeping Beauty runs until January 27th, with several two-for-one ticket days. Tickets range from $14-$30, and are available now. Call the Arden Box Office at 215-922-1122, or visit ardentheatre.org.
Arden Theatre
40 N. 2nd St in Old City Philadelphia
$14-$30
