DEARBORN – The Theatre Arts program at Henry Ford Community College will present a stage adaptation of the beloved fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty” from Nov. 4 to 20 in the MacKenzie Fine Arts Center on the HFCC campus.
The play runs Fridays through Sundays, beginning Nov. 4. Show times are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for students with valid identification, and $6 for students ages 12 and under. Ticket prices for groups of 10 or more are $5 per seat.
Based on “The Beauty in the Sleeping Woods” by French author Charles Perrault (1628-1703), “Sleeping Beauty” chronicles the story of a princess who falls under the spell of a wicked fairy who declares that once she reaches adulthood, the princess will die upon cutting her finger on the spindle of the Spinning Wheel of Death.
However, a good fairy partially reverses this enchantment, proclaiming the princess will fall into a deep sleep for 100 years rather than die. After a century, the princess – who retained her youth and beauty via magic – is awakened by a kiss from a handsome prince and they lived happily ever after.
That version is based on award-winning playwright Stacey Lane’s version of the classic fairy tale. In this version – which is adapted by HFCC theater professor Gerry Dzuiblinski – the story is shown through the perspective of the wicked fairy, who turns back time to show audiences the true story of “Sleeping Beauty.”
“This is ‘Sleeping Beauty’ as it’s never been seen before,” Dzuiblinski said. “The talented theater students here at HFCC will take you on a mystical journey full of magic and laughter in a twist of the beloved fairy tale. This endearing fable is sure to keep adults and children alike on the edge of their seats and thoroughly entertained,” he added.
For more information and reservations, call (313) 845-9817 or email [email protected]
Performances for student audiences
“Sleeping Beauty” also will be performed for school audiences in grades 1 to 8 at 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from Nov. 7 to 18. Running time is one hour.
Admission is $3 per student, and free for adults and chaperones.
A study guide will be provided for every teacher who books a group. For further information and reservations, call (313) 845-9817 or email [email protected]