NOT ENOUGH BEAUTY IN KIDDIE MUSICAL 'SLEEPING UGLY'

Griffin Theatre Company's first world premiere musical is an adaptation of Jane Yolen's book Sleeping Ugly playing at the Theatre Building in Chicago. Sleeping Ugly is a retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. Written for children, the story attempts to reverse messages of the traditional fairy tale and teach children that being caring, kind and good on the inside is more important than physical beauty.

The story makes clear that, though Princess Miserella (Colleen McSherry) may be beautiful to look at, inside, she is the meanest and most wicked princess around. Plain Jane (Leah Morrow), on the other hand, is not very pretty, but is very kind and good. She is rewarded in the end with a happy life, while Princess Miserella is never awoken from her enchanted sleep because the prince refuses to kiss her and wake someone so mean.

The cast includes Steve Best, Jill Hames, Michael Klug, and Matthew Lon Walker.  All of them sing, dance and look like cartoon characters.  Hames steals the show with her solid vocals and very nice portrayal of the Fairy Godmother.  The other actors all give as good a performance as possible considering they are dealing with a mediocre script and an uninspiring score. Though the composer and lyricist is the very talented George Howe, his work in Sleeping Ugly does not have a clear vision and lacks the catchy tunes that the audience can hum as they leave the theatre.

Despite the servant getting a pie in his face there simply is not enough physical humor to keep the kids attention in this one act musical.  This is evident with the constant restlessness of the children in the audience jumping from seat to seat. Costume Designer, Bill Morey does a very nice job bringing the storybook to life with his clever and creative costumes, but it isn't enough to save this show.

With the weather warming up you won't be missing much by skipping this production to enjoy the outdoors. Or better yet, buy the book and read it to them on a beautiful spring afternoon. 

Sleeping Ugly

When: Through June 25^th

Where: Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont Ave.

Prices: $15 - $24