The Spell of Sleeping Beauty Opens at YLT 9/23

YLT's 2011-12 Season opening production will be The Spell of Sleeping Beauty, a family-friendly children's series production sure to delight audiences of all ages with its cartoonish twist to the traditional fairy tale. As the story goes, an evil curse is placed on the infant Princess and despite all efforts to protect her, she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday and falls into a deep slumber until she is awakened by her true love; however, YLT performs it with a fresh comedic style that injects the story with a new energy.

"I had my cast study the humor from classic silly cartoons such as Looney Tunes and Animaniacs," explains Director, Rodd Robertson. "I encouraged them to think outrageously about their characters and how to portray them." Robertson called on the talents of local playwright, Judy Wolfman, to sit in on some rehearsals and work with cast members on character development. "I think Judy can push them into the next level," says Robertson, who is focusing on helping his young actors learn as much as possible from their experience. "I have been throwing unexpected things at them, helping them learn to think on their feet, maintain focus, and keep the show moving forward." The cast also receives tips on effective memorization, listening efficiently, and tapping their own imaginations and creativity.

The production includes pre-show entertainment in the lobby as well as on stage. "Khaliah Nelson, one of my cast members, wrote some wonderfully humorous scenes for us," says Robertson. The cast will be mingling with the audiences, in character, before each performance and it serves beautifully to prepare our audiences for what will come."

The Spell of Sleeping Beauty features a local cast of approximately 40, ranging in age from 4 to 21. "These kids continually amaze me with what they have done with their roles. We are having a great deal of fun," says Robertson. Some of the principle players include Allison Thomas as Princess Briar Rose; Rod Saatman as Prince Alexander; Phil Rooney as King Rudolph; Alexa Snider as Queen Eleanor; Addie Cannizzaro as Evilina; Alec Lardarello as the Prime Minister; and Elise Lanteigne-Marrow, Catie Dinneen, Zaporah Nelson, Chloe Lanteigne-Marrow, Kelly Baranik and Theresa Burgess as the Good Witches.

The production staff includes Heather Turnage, Stage Manager; and Costume Designer Stephanie Wilt, who, Robertson says, will contribute to giving the production a colorful "artsy feel." David Kallstrom, Set Designer, is creating a flexible unit set in YLT's Black Box Studio to accommodate all the different settings required by the production. "Dave's use of space is very clever," adds Robertson. "And the Studio is an intimate setting, allowing audiences to feel more involved in the production, which makes this a great experience even for our youngest theatre-goers."

The production opens on Friday, September 23, with a special Opening Night Gala themed as Briar Rose's Birthday Party, and the entire audience is invited to attend, free of charge. The Spell of Sleeping Beauty cast also invites the public to a special pre-show Sleeping Beauty Tea, on Sunday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m., featuring refreshments and activities with the cast. There is an additional charge of $10 for the Tea, and reservations are required.

"This is an extraordinary show," beams Robertson. "I am thoroughly enjoying this experience." Performances are on September 23, 24, 30 and October 1 at 7:00; and September 24, 25, October 1 and 2, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and group discounts are offered. More information and tickets are available by calling the box office at 717-854-5715, 11 - 5, Monday through Friday, or visiting www.ylt.org. The Spell of Sleeping Beauty is sponsored by People's Bank, Media Sponsor, Flipsidepa.com

York Little Theatre, now enjoying its 79th season of shows, is a nonprofit community theatre which values and nurtures the irreplaceable role of the arts and is dedicated to engaging and enriching its entire, diverse community in the dramatic arts through a broad range of professionally directed, entertaining, stimulating, and sometimes provocative performances.
York Little Theatre is located at 27 South Belmont Street, York PA, just south of Market Street at the intersection of I83.

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