Post by Mary van Ogtrop

Sleeping Beauty has sure come a long way since 1697, when the story of the lovely-but-doomed princess was first penned by Charles Perrault. It’s even come a long way since 1959, when Disney’s animated version introduced the song “Once Upon a Dream” and the fairy trio of Flora, Fauna and Merryweather (”Make it pink!” etc.).

And now, from Dec 5th through January 27th, 2008, a Generation Y Sleeping Beauty graces the stage of the Arden Theatre in Old City, bringing with it a spunky teen heroine, a bumbling klutz-turned-hero, a half-dragon best buddy, and a king and queen who double as parents to a moody teenager. Aside from the dragon, two witches and a handful of fairies, it could have been an episode of “My So Called Life,” rest in peace.

The story of Briar Rose, the fateful spindle and the fate-sealing kiss plays out with clever riddles, plenty of acrobatics and even a dance-off for the right to save the sleeping princess, Running Man included. Best of all, the story is a lesson in courage, loyalty and faith in yourself – hard lessons to learn during the angst-ridden teen years (if memory serves).

Philadelphia Magazine recently named the Arden Theatre “Best of Philly” in children’s theatre for the third consecutive year.

And it’s little wonder why – kids are encouraged to dress up in princess- or dragon-wear, and the performance is followed by a question-and-answer session (sample question: “Did the spindle really hurt?”). So bring your little sister, bring your grandma, bring your date, whomever – you’ll all leave smiling.

Arden Theatre
40 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://www.ardentheatre.org/