Enchanting "Sleeping Beauty" plays in Glendale

--- Theatre review

Sleeping Beauty, the sweetly romantic children´s story about a spinning-wheel curse placed on a baby princess by a mean and jealous fairy, and the delayed love (and princely kiss) that breaks the spell one hundred years later, is Glendale Centre Theatre´s newest show for the whole family.

Packed with humorous situations (read slapstick) and songs with clever lyrics ("catchy" for the kids, with double meanings for the adults), the show also encourages a lively interaction between performers and audience that´s meant to engage even the shyest of kiddies (and sometimes elicits hilarious impromptu responses).

"Meany", the gleefully wicked fairy who casts the evil spell is played energetically by Angela Raile. Her counterparts, "Moonbeam" (Lisse Adelman), "Sunbeam" (Cynthia Stults), and "Everglow" (Ellorin Joy Davis) are the good fairies, who bless the baby with beauty, charm, wit, and happiness,

But it´s the late-arriving diminutive "Dewdrop" (Elise Gibney in this performance) who saves the day … actually, the century … with a counteracting spell that allows for a prince, a kiss and a "happily ever after" ending.

Comic performances are also given by Christopher Gomez as the philandering, tea-drinking "Dragon" and Jordan Byers as "Fantasy," the Prince´s rearing-to-go "talking" horse. These imaginative and charming extra characters in Tom Robinson´s re-write of the classic story are what make GCT´s children´s productions so charming and memorable.

Sleeping Beauty is an altogether fun experience for kids and the adults who bring them. It´s colorful and exciting, at times noisy, hilarious or deliciously scary, and it gives young audiences a taste of live theatre.

Many youngsters dress in costumes to attend GCT´s Saturday shows. This time there were fairies with gossamer wings and magic wands, and a variety of princesses in sequined and feathered gowns with sparkling tiaras in their hair.

Pre-show and during intermission, these young thespians are allowed to twirl and pose (and sometimes chase each other) on the colorfully painted stage while proud moms and grandparents snap pictures. Post show, the characters remain in the lobby for more photo ops and program signing.

There is also opportunity for "birthday" boys and girls to come on stage for a trinket and a song.

Sleeping Beauty plays Saturday mornings at 11:00 am, through June 28. Admission is $13.50 for adults and $11.00 for children. For reservations, call (818) 244-8481 or visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com

GCT is located at 324 N. Orange St, Glendale, CA 91203.