“Sleeping Beauty” Holiday Production Coming to Amador Theater

Pleasanton’s Civic Arts Stage Company will present the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, Dec. 9-18, at the , 1155 Santa Rita Road.

The show, performed in the lighthearted British “panto” style, will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18.

According to Director Rebecca Ennals, this version of the Sleeping Beauty story carries the messages that beauty comes from within and that parents need to allow their children some freedom.

Princess Beauty is given beauty and brains at birth, but not manners, since the fairy responsible for dispensing manners must use her gift to counteract the spell of the evil Belladonna.

Beauty grows up spoiled and sheltered with overprotective parents. Finally, Beauty meets an interesting and non-traditional Prince, who teaches her that beauty is on the inside – and inspires her to want to see the world outside the kingdom. 

The classic tale, portrayed in the comedic “panto” style is filled with music, dance and magic and is designed to be fun for the whole family.

“Every year, our holiday panto inspires kids to dance in the aisles, and often those same kids come back and audition the next year,” says Ennals. 

“We’re starting to create a real holiday tradition for these kids and parents, one that is unique to Pleasanton.”

In addition to Ennals, Music Director Debra Knox and Choreographer Katie O’Bryon also  return from last year’s Civic Arts Stage Company’s production of The Princess and the Pea, as do Costume Designer Thalia Cronander and Set and Lighting Designer Steve Mannshardt.

Professional actors appearing in Sleeping Beauty include Paula Wujek and Charles Orlando (the Queen and King), who return from their roles as the Queen and Ratatouille in The Princess and the Pea last year. Newcomers Sebastian Romeo and Max Venuti play Belladonna and Prince Revoir.

The professional actors are complemented by the largest Civic Arts Stage Company cast to date. 

Jennifer Meredith, who played Cinderella in 2009, returns as Beauty, sharing the role with Lacey Smith, who was a Courtier in Cinderella and a Maid in The Princess and the Pea. Many other members of the youth ensemble have participated in previous productions and are joined this season by many newcomers.

Tickets are Adult: $10, $15, $18; Child and Senior: $6, $9 and $12. Group discounts are available.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org up to three hours prior to the performance, by phone at (925) 931-4848, or in person at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Office. 

Box Office hours are Wednesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and for two hours prior to the performance.