A twist on the old classic, the world premiere of the musical, "Sleeping Beauty Wakes" has extended it’s run at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Presented by the Center Theatre Group and Deaf West Theatre, this entertaining musical incorporating both deaf and hearing actors will now run through May 20th.
Through signing as well as singing, Rachel Sheinkin’s ("The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee")book is acted out with music and lyrics by Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda (of the band GrooveLily).
Setting the story in both the legendary fairy tale kingdom, as well as a present day sleep-disorder clinic, "Sleeping Beauty Wakes" illustrates how a father and daughter both cope with their own issues. As the father starts to understand the difference between protecting and smothering his daughter, she discovers the costs of flirting with danger, the joy of living a fully conscious and conscientious life, and the meaning of true love.
Directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun, the cast for "Sleeping Beauty Wakes" includes, in alphabetical order, Erika Amato, Deanne Bray, Clinton Derricks-Carroll, Kevin Earley, Shannon Ford, Russell Harvard, Troy Kotsur, Christia Mantzke, Brendan Milburn, Valerie Vigoda and Alexandria Wailes. The set design is by Tobin Ost, costumes by Maggie Morgan, lighting by Michael Gilliam, sound by Eric Snodgrass and casting by Bonnie Grisan. The production stage manager is William Coiner.
Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times says "…’Sleeping Beauty Wakes’ is a lovely theatrical tumble that defies categories…." Laurence Vittes of The Hollywood Reporter proclaims it "a beguiling tour de force…brilliant entertainment in three dimensions…," and Paul Hodgins of The Orange County Register calls it "a pan-cultural, post-modern romance with plenty of twists and 21st-century socio-cultural commentary stirred into the stew."
Tickets for "Sleeping Beauty Wakes" are available by calling (213) 628-2772 , online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre, or two hours prior to performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office. For the deaf community, call TDD (213) 680-4017 for tickets and information.
The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, 90232.
