FLASH FRIDAY: Tchaikovsky's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Is Roused In Cinemas, 3/20

Following up the numerous rapturously-received presentations of Tchaikovsky's renowned and beloved ballet SWAN LAKE in cinemas earlier this year and before, Fathom next presents a new entry in the lauded Tchaikovsky canon byway of a lavish and lovingly-produced new Royal Opera House Ballet production of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, comprising the talents of many of the world's top talents in dance.

Once Upon A Dream

While Disney's MALEFICENT starring Angelina Jolie and the titular face of the villain from the beloved fairy tale of a princess named Aurora who falls under a wicked witch's spell may be ever-present to us today as that film anticipates its stateside release in a few weeks, the tried and true virtues of the story that inspired it remain as timely, prescient and valuable as ever. Indeed, Fathom's new movie theater presentation of the Royal Opera House Ballet's acclaimed iteration of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet helmed by not one, but three of the finest choreographers in modern dance working from iconic Marius Petipa's original design may be the most ideal means by which to experience this story whether for the first time or all over again in looking ahead to various sequels, prequels and remakes of the property new and old. After all, the best stories are constantly reworked and reformatted for new generations and always have been throughout history - THE SLEEPING BEAUTY being one such example. Nevertheless, nobody has managed to do it better than Tchaikovsky and Petipa - ever.

Originally inspired by Charles Perrault's classic French fairy tale of the same name, subsequently most memorably reworked and retold by the Grimm Brothers and perhaps most famously portrayed in the 1959 Walt Disney animated film of the same name - which itself also features selections from Tchaikovsky's timeless score - the new Royal Opera House Ballet's production of SLEEPING BEAUTY is a fiercely unique and idiosyncratic take on the material that is also appropriate for the entire family, making it a surefire hit with viewers new to the world of ballet who nevertheless may be caught up in the reworked fairy tale fever so predominant in much of modern pop culture these days, whatever their age - some notable examples include Disney's own mega-hit animated feature film FROZEN, as well as the aforementioned upcoming MALEFICENT tentpole release, through to the recent HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS and this year's eagerly awaited big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS, among others. Fairy tales are hot, but THE SLEEPING BEAUTY possesses rapturous beauty and a central conceit finer than nearly any of the others in the wide and weird world of Grimm and company.

To add to the overall excitement of the proceedings, the new Royal Opera House Ballet's presentation of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY by Fathom showcases the work of three masters of dance, all contributing to the attendant magic - Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell and Christopher Wheeldon. Each brings his unique take on a particular section of the ballet and the cumulative result is a fantastical, whimsical, wondrous sight to behold. Furthermore, prima ballerina Sarah Lamb essays the role of Princess Aurora, while the dashing prince is played by Steve McRae in the complete three-act presentation of the piece.

Truly, there has never been a fairy tale quite so romantically alluring, dreamily enchanting and deliciously intoxicating as Perrault's exquisite original yarn, re-purposed by the Grimm Brothers thereafter - which, no doubt, was a major contributing factor as to why Tchaikovsky himself adapted the material along with frequent collaborator Marius Petipa into a ballet in the first place, way back in 1890. Also, it is no wonder that THE SLEEPING BEAUTY has endured for many generations - and over a century - since, particularly given all the drama, romance and intrigue it has to offer audiences, both then and now.

An epic battle of good versus evil, magical curses, time travel, heartrending romance - SLEEPING BEAUTY has it all, as well as the classic Tchaikovsky score to go with it, making it a must-see entertainment event for fans of fairy tales, romance, theatre, dance and fairy tales themselves. It's a dream come true - and more.

More information on Fathom's movie theater presentation of the Royal Opera House Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY on March 20 is available at the official site here.

Awake & Dance

Now, let's take a look at some of the most memorable moments from the storied history of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY and also look ahead to the new Fathom presentation of the Royal Opera House Ballet production coming next week.

First up, view the trailer for Fathom's movie theater presentation of the Royal Opera House Ballet's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.

Next, sample this sumptuous scene from a prior filmed performance of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.

Go behind the scenes of the Royal Opera House Ballet's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.

After that, revisit the enchantment contained within the Walt Disney edition of SLEEPING BEAUTY, also showcasing selections from Tchaikovsky's score.

Now, take in the trailer for Disney's MALEFICENT starring Angelina Jolie for the 2014 reworking of the fairy tale.

Lastly, hear hit-maker Lana Del Ray's new take on the memorable theme from the Disney film which itself was taken from Tchaikovsky's indelible score for THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.

So, what exactly is it about Tchaikovsky and Petipa's anomalous spin on THE SLEEPING BEAUTY that has made it a ballet worth reviving for more than a century? Is it Tchaikovsky's rich and luxurious score? Is it the ample performance opportunities afforded to the corps du ballet and the leading players? Is it the heartrending story at the core of it all? Whatever the recipe, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY is a surefire spectacular event destined to set your heart and imagination alight in this new Fathom presentation by the Royal Opera House Ballet. Awake to it!

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