SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Children’s Theatre Company of South Suburban College is producing a play geared for young audiences in January. Sleeping Beauty will run on Saturdays, January 10 and 17, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Monday through Friday, January 12th through January 16th at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Award-winning playwright Michele L. Vacca’s adaptation of the classic children’s tale of Sleeping Beauty, is an amusing version of the Perrault romance, with just the right balance of comedy and suspense. King Philip (Pat Nevins of Homewood) and Queen Eleanor (Sandra Wagner of Lansing), rulers of Pharoffland, grieve because they have no child. Overhearing this, the three good fairies, Rose Petal (Angela Martin of Midlothian), Moon Beam (Catherine Hundt of Thornton) and Twinkletoes (Jamel Williams of Chicago Heights) combine their powers and the following spring a little princess is born.
The celebration is ruined by the dramatic arrival of Belladonna (Ashley Orendorff of Thornton), the evil fairy of Pharoffland. Bella is so angry at not being invited to the party, that she puts a terrible curse on baby Rosalind. The three good fairies have enough power to lighten the curse. Now the princess will only fall asleep for 100 years. The fairies place a magical rose hedge around the sleeping princess and vow to protect her. As the years pass, Princes arrive, hoping to rescue Rosalind (Laura Tiemes of South Holland). First on the scene is Prince Albert Egbert (Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest) who only wants material for his book of the most famous and unusual magic spells of the last century. The next attempt is made by Prince Orlando Leonardo Malvolio Smith (Eric Pradelski of South Holland), but he is more concerned with the hedge of thorns ruining his brand new suit.
When the 100 years are almost over, Prince Stephen of Stratford (Paul Braun of Lansing) arrives. Bella tries to interfere, but Twinkletoes suggests that Prince Stephen kiss Rosalind. He does so and she awakens, since he is the “right” prince. Belladonna disappears from Pharoffland and Princess Rosalind and Prince Stephen live happily ever after, just as you might expect. Rounding out the cast are Heather Young of Chicago as the Narrator and Paul Braun of Lansing as Count Frederick.
The play is directed by Lansing resident and Kindig Performing Arts Center manager Ellie Shunko. Set design is by Dean Scalzitti of Hegewisch. Lighting design is by Jon Jenkins of Chicago. The costume designer is Joanna Tassin of Park Forest, with stage management by June Wagner of Lansing. Anne Begora of Hegwisch is designing the props for the production.
Sleeping Beauty is suitable for young and old alike. Tickets are $5 each. Group rates are available. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at (708) 210-5741. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu. Reservations for weekday performances are required as many shows are already sold out.
South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample parking is available.