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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/