by Joseph Szalinski
We’ve all overslept at some point in our lives. Some of us have been late to work or class, others have found themselves staring at the Statue of Liberty with talking apes. Stories about getting a little extra shuteye have existed since people stayed awake long enough to write them down. The most famous fictional sleepyhead is Sleeping Beauty, a cursed princess who hibernates until her true love kisses her. Retold countless times, most notably by Disney, this adaptation, the closer of The Pittsburgh Savoyard’s 86th season, is written and directed by Andy Hickly, and now running at the Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center in Bellevue, PA.
The King (Michael Menendez) and Queen (Priyanka) have just had a baby girl, who they name Rose. She is cursed by the Wicked Fairy (Ell Connally Thomas) because her parents picked The Good Fairy (Kelsey Walls) to be her fairy godmother instead. Rose grows up normally, meeting and becoming friends with Princeling (Stephen Wilson) at one point but still focused on finding her true love. Unfortunately, the Wicked Fairy slyly pricks Rose’s finger with a spindle and sends her into a century-long sleep.
Rose (Rebecca Radeshak) and Princeling (Stephen Wilson) are tremendous leads. Their blends of charm and humor captive and humanize their respective characters; they transcend the fairy tale tropes and create more nuanced iterations. Scenes are tackled with a refreshing energy and enthusiasm.
The Wicked Fairy (Ell Connally Thomas) and the Good Fairy (Kelsey Walls) maintain an entertaining dynamic throughout the show, in addition to being great separately. Aside from her portrayal of the Good Fairy, Kelsey Walls also serves as the show’s dance choreographer, showing off her talents by masterminding the exceptionally enjoyable dance scene. It’s in her physicality that Ell Connally Thomas really shines as the Wicked Fairy, demonstrating her prowess in a combative scene near the end. Perhaps her biggest and most honest accolade comes courtesy of one the small children who peppered the audience, “She’s scary!”
Michael Menendez and Priyanka Sinha are delightful as the King and Queen. They do a fantastic job of showing how power and wealth cannot spare people from the paranoias and desperation of parenthood. From hastily banning spindles to volunteering to take the “Rip Van Winkle Powernap” along with their daughter, seeing how they existed solely for her was touching. Watching them evolve from overly protective parents into ones with a loosened grip is both funny and sentimental.
Don Gudenburr, Phil Hayes, and Samwise Riley do double duty as guards and suitors, with their performances as the latter being their more exceptional work. Combining comedic chops with spirited physicality, especially in regard to Riley’s dance moves, these three are a hoot anytime they’re onstage.
Kathryn Morosky (who also made the program), Lindsay Surmacz, Elisa Stuver also juggle multiple roles. While they are fantastic comedic foil during the dance, they are also terrifically terrifying as the Wicked Fairy’s guards. Morosky and Surmacz stand their ground in their other role as Briar Hedge, the nearly impenetrable barrier between the castle and the outside world. However, Stuver stands out as an impassioned peasant who’s not willing to surrender her spindles and such to the authorities, as she attempts to evade capture by running around the stage.
This show excels technically, with direction overseen by Robert Hockenberry (who’s also production manager) and Matt Lisiak. Elise Brown does a phenomenal job helping bring everything to life with light and sound. Leah Klocko does marvelous work with the costuming while Andy Hickly expertly handles production design and fight choreography.
Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center is a splendid venue that enriches the community it calls home. While not the largest space, it does promote an intimacy that provides productions with an extra punch. Nestled in the burgeoning suburb of Bellevue, this theatre is guaranteed to not only continue to keep bringing quality productions to the area but help spearhead an increased interest in the arts as the town grows.
“Sleeping Beauty” continues its run on Friday, May 10th with a show at 7:30 pm and Saturday, May 11th with shows at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center in Bellevue, PA.
