Putting the community in community theatre
A princess pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls asleep for 100 years. The story of Sleeping Beauty is known around the world, but it begs the question: what happens during the 100 years?
The Guelph Little Theatre (GLT) answers this query with Saving Sleepy Beauty, an original musical which, as per the theatre’s Christmas show tradition, boasts an all-ages cast, adding a special dynamic to the performances and rehearsal process.
Saving Sleeping Beauty introduces us to Roslind, a bratty princess blessed with limitless money, incomparable beauty, and the love of anyone who sees her. She is saved from dying by Cerulean the Witch, who instead puts the girl to sleep, but also promises, to the confusion of everyone else, to “save” the princess from her gifts.
From there we are transported into a twisted dream world where Roslind must find out what Cerulean truly meant.Rihannon Phillips, who plays Cerulean, believes that this production demonstrates GLT’s sense of community. “It’s really welcoming to anyone who wants to come out, and that’s what keeps bringing me back,” says Phillips. “It’s just a wonderful group of people to work with.” Over a third of the cast is new to the theatre.
Kenneth Cameron, the writer, composer, and director of the show, believes an all-ages cast brings a whole new dynamic to the group.“I love having groups with actors of all ages,” he explains. “The young people can teach the old people, and the veterans can teach the young people. I love the interplay and this cast has been marvelous for that.”
Talking to various cast members, that dynamic is easy to see, with more experienced cast members championing the enthusiasm and excitement of the younger performers and the younger generation thanking their seniors for their many tips and tricks.
Another positive aspect of the cross-generational casting is the opportunity for families to come together, both watching and performing.Lawrence Murphy, who plays the king, acts alongside his son, Julian, who plays a series of princes. “It’s not just family entertainment — [there are] families in it!” says Murphy. This is important, Cameron says, because “there’s so much that happens in our society right now where the kids are sent off to do their thing. [This] helps bring them together.”
Saving Sleeping Beauty plays at the Guelph Little Theatre Nov. 24 to Dec. 10
Photo by Kendra Snaith