Arden Theatre Presents Sleeping Beauty

Join us at our award-winning theatre in the heart of vibrant, historic Old City Philadelphia and find out why Philadelphia Magazine declared the Arden "The Best of Philly" for children's theatre this year (for the third time!) and the Please Touch Museum presented the Arden with a "Great Friend to Kids" award!

Show description:

Once upon a time... get ready! Here comes a modern, funnier version of one of your favorite tales.

Meet our unconventional Princess, a girl named Briar Rose who is good at everything from spelling to dancing to sword fighting. She is shielded from the evil witch Modron by a magical half-dragon Gryff, a scatter-brained good witch Branwen and her hovering, over-protective parents. Prince Owain is her best friend, a regal boy with standard princely attributes minus the talent and confidence.

This is a contemporary twist on the story you grew up with, right through to the happily-ever-after. In between is a magical adventure, replete with spells, swordfights and adventure! Will Briar Rose's parents grant her the freedom she craves? Can Owain overcome his fears and win praise from his father?

The play is well suited for both boys and girls five years and older; it's a perfect outing for families to share this holiday season! Every performance includes a post-show question and answer session with the cast. Plus, every child receives a free commemorative show poster and is invited to meet the cast in the lobby after each performance.

"I love doing children's theatre," said Arden's producing artist director Terrence J. Nolen, "and I'm thrilled that this is our 10th season of offering children's programming." Nolen continues, "As a father of two young boys, I watch my kids learn and grow. And I know that people who take their children to live theatre encourage a love of language, compassion and empathy. But to be perfectly honest, it's watching them get swept away by the story and hearing them talk about the characters for weeks afterward that makes me the happiest. We are proud of the quality of our productions we present for adults and we put the same amount of time, money and energy into our children's productions. We are thrilled by our ongoing success and are committed to trying our best to make each production top-notch. We do that by not talking down to kids, by offering them high-quality work, and by watching and learning from them. I hope if you haven't tried Arden Children's Theatre, you'll give it a try." -- www.ardentheatre.org