Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight, with performances through December 24 at the Hobby Center, delivers as a modern twist on the classic fairy tale. There are plenty of laughs for the parents, contemporary music and Disney stars for the kids and surprising audience interaction to help marry the family and stage experience.
Cheers and Jeers at "Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight"
PUBLISHED:
Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight, with performances through December 24 at the Hobby Center, delivers as a modern twist on the classic fairy tale. There are plenty of laughs for the parents, contemporary music and Disney stars for the kids and surprising audience interaction to help marry the family and stage experience.
As in the classic European fairy tale, Princess
Aurora (Lauren Taylor, Shelby from Best Friends Whenever) has a curse put on her by an evil fairy and by her 18th
birthday she will prick her finger on a spindle and fall asleep for
100 years. A handsome Prince (Garrett Clayton, Link from Hairspray Live and Tanner in Teen Beach Movie) saves
the day by defeating the wicked fairy
and giving Aurora a true love kiss. In this update, the
true stars of the show are the hilarious scene stealers and Royal Family protectors Silly Billy (Ben Giroux) and Nanny Tickle (Jeff Sumner). Sumner, decked to the nines in drag as a southern belle, was a treat to watch and Giroux's comedic timing couldn't be better. What a pair!
It's helpful to understand a bit about the audience interaction part to better appreciate what you've just stepped into. Stuffy theater this is not. No sitting back to be entertained. No need to fret over your kids and constantly hush them. Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight is a Panto production from Lythgoe Family Panto, the family behind American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Panto is described as musical theater that incorporates audience participation and pop songs. American Pantos® are based on fairytales that kids know and love but the humor within them is directed to the adults with topical jokes and local references. The audience is encouraged to shout along and participate - boo at the evil fairy, call out for Silly Billy if help is needed, cheer for Aurora and her Prince and swirl your wand in the air for a touch of magic. The Houston references were a mile a minute and woven throughout the production to give a localized feel. The crowd ate up mentions of Torchy's, living outside the loop and the Astros.
It's helpful to understand a bit about the audience interaction part to better appreciate what you've just stepped into. Stuffy theater this is not. No sitting back to be entertained. No need to fret over your kids and constantly hush them. Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight is a Panto production from Lythgoe Family Panto, the family behind American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Panto is described as musical theater that incorporates audience participation and pop songs. American Pantos® are based on fairytales that kids know and love but the humor within them is directed to the adults with topical jokes and local references. The audience is encouraged to shout along and participate - boo at the evil fairy, call out for Silly Billy if help is needed, cheer for Aurora and her Prince and swirl your wand in the air for a touch of magic. The Houston references were a mile a minute and woven throughout the production to give a localized feel. The crowd ate up mentions of Torchy's, living outside the loop and the Astros.
The production is set to a somewhat contemporary score, including the music of Blondie, Bruno Mars, Jessie J, Mariah Carey, LMFAO, Pharrell Williams and Survivor. In Panto style, you're encouraged to sing along to the songs you know and lyrics are provided at the end for a group sing along. The upbeat Ensemble numbers like "Party Rock Anthem," "Happy" and "Marry You" were the most recognizable and contemporary. Other tracks fell off the charts years ago and may not have the relevance to excite younger audiences. As a "holiday" performance, there isn't really anything that makes this a Christmas show other than two holiday songs that don't quite seem at home in the production.
The production also stars John O'Hurley (J. Peterman from Seinfeld), Tony Award Winning Debbie Gravitte and Vonzell Solomon (from American Idol). A delightful highlight was the inclusion of the talented Theatre Under The Stars students, including
two students from The River which serves individuals with disabilities. While I saw many wee princesses and princes at the performance, I'd recommend the show for those elementary age or older. The performance is a bit long with an intermission after a 90 minute first act. Many adult references will likely float right over kids' heads, though there were a few innuendos. Kids will love getting dressed up and participating along with the show. The evil fairy isn't too dark or scary (and remember, every time she's on stage you get to boo her). Princess fans may be a bit disappointed that Aurora doesn't get a ton of stage time. Arrive early before curtain to enjoy a host of free activities for the kids, including arts and crafts, LEGOs, a beauty parlour and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
