You may not have met this non-Disney version of “Sleeping Beauty” once upon a dream…but you’ll be amazed!
Brandywine Ballet‘s first performance of the year, “Sleeping Beauty” comes to West Chester University‘s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall from May 18th to May 20th, bringing the classic Russian fairy tale to life. With music by “Nutcracker” composer, Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the audience is transported into a world where there is nothing but Beauty, Grace, Honesty, and Wisdom. At least, those are the names of the four fairies who bless newborn Princess Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty, with their gifts.
But the evil Carabosse, played by Laura Betz, arrives with bad intentions — she wants the crown for herself! When she doesn’t get what she wants, she condemns Princess Aurora to prick her finger on her 16th birthday, putting her in a deathly sleep. Only her true love’s kiss can awaken her.
Flash forward 16 years and Aurora, played by Emily Royce, is thriving. She has four different suitors, played by Joe Colter, Tim Early, Caleaf Henson, and Jasper Krikorian, all fighting to win her favor. During a beautiful flower waltz, she is given a spindle by an old woman. As Aurora dances it, she pricks her finger and falls into the fated deep sleep. To save Aurora and the kingdom, the Fairy of Wisdom — or the Lilac Fairy — puts the entire kingdom to sleep for a century.
And 100 years later, meet Prince Desire, played by Rick Callender, who dances his way into Aurora’s heart…once upon a dream.
“We started rehearsals in February, and the cast has been practicing every weekend and taking technique classes during the week,” says Heather Conboy, Brandywine Ballet’s marketing and development manager. “We’re excited to take this classic story and tell it in our own way.”
In a whirlwind of colorful costumes, swelling scores, and graceful pirouettes, you’ll be caught up in this four-act ballet play for all ages as the action, adventure, and love story make you remember why you love live, theatrical performances. Brandywine Ballet once again puts on a stunning show that can’t be matched by other ballet troupes. It’s a spectacle for the whole family.
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online. Check out Brandywine Ballet’s upcoming 2018-19 season.
