Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Fairytaleton, there was an acting troupe known as "The Sleeping Beauty Spell." This group of talented performers specialized in bringing to life the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty, a classic story that had captivated audiences for generations. The troupe consisted of a diverse mix of actors, dancers, and musicians, all with their own unique skills and talents. They had come together with a shared love for live performance and a passion for storytelling. Each member of the troupe played a crucial role in bringing the magic of Sleeping Beauty to the stage. At the center of the production was the titular character, Sleeping Beauty herself.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Shades of MacLaughlin s adult theater troupe, New Paradise Laboratories, emerge in the way the Twylyth Teg, a quartet of fairies, move almost as a unit, flitting around the stage and speaking alternately in turns and in unison, to entice the prince and his half-dragon half-human friend Gryff to remain with them for eternity. In this case, the entity is Princess Briar Rose s family kingdom and the vast woods beyond, which hold warring witch sisters, good and evil, entangled in a battle royal over the princess fate.
At the center of the production was the titular character, Sleeping Beauty herself. Played by the troupe's lead actress, her role required grace, elegance, and the ability to convey the innocence and vulnerability of the character. She effortlessly transported the audience into the world of dreams and fairy tales.
'Sleeping Beauty' casts a delightful spell
The Arden Theatre Company's Sleeping Beauty is that rare production whose discrete elements - set, costumes, music, lighting, directing, acting - add up to one enchanting entity.
by By Wendy Rosenfield, For The Inquirer Published Dec. 10, 2007, 3:01 a.m. ETThe Arden Theatre Company's
Sleeping Beauty
is that rare production whose discrete elements - set, costumes, music, lighting, directing, acting - add up to one enchanting entity.
In this case, the entity is Princess Briar Rose's family kingdom and the vast woods beyond, which hold warring witch sisters, good and evil, entangled in a battle royal over the princess' fate.
AdvertisementKris Stone's set is flanked by two enormous swinging pendulums and lies beneath a looming clock face, representative of time that is always slipping inexorably away: The princess' dreaded 16th birthday arrives before anyone is prepared for it; a half-century of sleep is gone in the time it takes to have a conversation with a menacing Spider King.
Brian J. Lilienthal's lighting keeps the shadow of a spinning wheel turning, the forest light dappled, and the garden sunshine warm and bright, while the plucking of Jorge Cousineau's harp-filled sound design glints brightly in the background.
Charles Way's script works as a pre-Shakespeare primer, using
The Tempest
A Midsummer Night's Dream
as jumping-off points for an adaptation tailored to suit contemporary language and situations. Boys will appreciate the delightful Owain's (David Raphaely) unwillingness to kiss Briar Rose (That's just plain icky, of course!). And girls will appreciate the fact that if it weren't for the intervention of dark sorcery, the princess would be perfectly capable of defending herself.
Occasionally, Way's text doesn't match the production's vivid imagery, but director Whit MacLaughlin easily makes up the difference. Shades of MacLaughlin's adult theater troupe, New Paradise Laboratories, emerge in the way the Twylyth Teg, a quartet of fairies, move almost as a unit, flitting around the stage and speaking alternately in turns and in unison, to entice the prince and his half-dragon/half-human friend Gryff to remain with them for eternity.
Richard St. Clair's costumes are saturated in richness and texture - and in the case of Doug Hara's athletic, copper-scaled, mohawked Gryff, and Sally Mercer's frighteningly evil Modron, with her woven-twig horns, they are downright iconic. St. Clair's sole miscalculation is Briar Rose's (Nako Adodoadji) Act 1 outfit, which is too bright and modern - particularly unfortunate, as it directs attention to the fact that Adodoadji is the weakest of the actors.
Luckily, the others are strong enough that her inexperience scarcely matters, and the Arden can deliver all the magic promised in this classic fairy tale.
Sleeping Beauty
Written by Charles Way, directed by Whit MacLaughlin, scenery by Kris Stone, costumes by Richard St. Clair, sound by Jorge Cousineau, lighting by Brian J. Lilienthal.
Cathy Simpson (Branwen/Twylyth Teg), Sally Mercer (Modron/Twylyth Teg), Doug Hara (Gryff), Paul L. Nolan (King Peredur/Spider King), Mary Elizabeth Scallen (Guineviere/Twylyth Teg), David Raphaely (the bishop/Prince Owain), Nako Adodoadji (Briar Rose/Twylyth Teg).
Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. Second St., Philadelphia through Jan. 27. Tickets: $14 to $30. Information: 215-922-1122 or
Richard St. Clair's costumes are saturated in richness and texture - and in the case of Doug Hara's athletic, copper-scaled, mohawked Gryff, and Sally Mercer's frighteningly evil Modron, with her woven-twig horns, they are downright iconic. St. Clair's sole miscalculation is Briar Rose's (Nako Adodoadji) Act 1 outfit, which is too bright and modern - particularly unfortunate, as it directs attention to the fact that Adodoadji is the weakest of the actors.
Accompanying Sleeping Beauty were the other notable characters, such as Prince Charming, evil fairy Maleficent, and the Three Good Fairies. The actors who portrayed these characters brought their own interpretation and depth to their roles, immersing the audience in the magical world of the story. The troupe's dancers added another layer of beauty and grace to the performance, choreographing intricate dance sequences that enhanced the storytelling. From the elegant waltzes of the ballroom scenes to the dynamic and acrobatic fight scenes, the dancers added a dynamic and visually stunning element to the production. The musicians were an essential part of the troupe, providing the enchanting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that underscored the narrative. Their music heightened the emotional impact of the story, creating an immersive experience for the audience. What set "The Sleeping Beauty Spell" apart from other acting troupes was their attention to detail and dedication to creating a truly enchanting experience. From the elaborate costumes to the meticulously designed sets, every aspect of the production was meticulously crafted to transport the audience to a world of magic and wonder. "The Sleeping Beauty Spell" became renowned throughout Fairytaleton for their captivating performances. Each show was met with great anticipation, as audiences eagerly awaited the opportunity to be transported into the enchanting world of the Sleeping Beauty tale. In conclusion, the acting troupe of "The Sleeping Beauty Spell" was a group of talented individuals who brought the beloved tale to life on stage. Their dedication to storytelling, combined with their artistic skills, created a truly enchanting experience for audiences. Their performances were a testament to the power of live theater and the enduring magic of fairy tales..
Reviews for "The Choreography Behind the Sleeping Beauty Spell's Dynamic Acting Troupe"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Acting Troupe of the Sleeping Beauty Spell". The acting felt incredibly amateur and forced, with very little chemistry between the performers. The dialogues were stilted and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with the characters and the story. Additionally, the set design looked cheap and haphazard, taking away from the overall immersion. Overall, it felt like a production that was rushed and lacked attention to detail.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I regretted buying a ticket to "The Acting Troupe of the Sleeping Beauty Spell". The performances were lackluster, with no emotional depth or range. The actors seemed disinterested and disconnected from the material. The plot was also poorly executed, with confusing jumps in the storyline and inconsistent character motivations. I couldn't wait for the play to be over, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael - 2 stars - "The Acting Troupe of the Sleeping Beauty Spell" was a disappointment for me. The performances felt forced, and the actors struggled to bring the characters to life. The direction was weak, resulting in a lack of cohesive storytelling. The pacing was off, with scenes dragging on or rushing through important moments. Overall, it felt like a production that did not meet its potential, and I left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Acting Troupe of the Sleeping Beauty Spell", but unfortunately, it fell flat. The acting was wooden and lacked authenticity, making it hard to connect with the storyline and the characters. The script felt cliché and predictable, offering nothing new or interesting. The production value was also lacking, with minimal effort put into the set design and costumes. Overall, it was a forgettable experience, and I would suggest looking for a better theater production to spend your time and money on.