The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Adam Bickford Whimsically costumed actors perform the American Family Theater's rendition of the fairy tale 'Sleeping Beauty' at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts Sunday.

Doors opened at 12:30 Sunday for another installment of the Jorgensen's Children Series, when members of the American Family Theater (AFT) performed a double header of the fairy tale classic, "Sleeping Beauty." The shows were enthusiastically received by adults and children alike. When the curtains opened on the Sunday of Spring Weekend, "Sleeping Beauty" added diversity to the events of UConn's annual "holiday."

The AFT performers revived the staple fairy tale for a new generation of children. With a modern synthesized soundtrack and contemporary elements, six actors and actresses told the story of the young Princess Beauty and her tale of happily-ever-after.

"It was refreshing to see an alternative version, not just the Disney one," said Dave Duff, a 6th-semester English major.

The crowd seemed to agree, as healthy applause greeted the AFT's actors after the performance. Sunday's production of "Sleeping Beauty" was another episode that aimed to entertain a young theater audience on an efficient set.

The show did just that boasting vibrant costumes and scenery alongside quality family entertainment. Set on Jorgensen's extended stage, the show engaged the audience with singing, dancing, and visual effects. This "Sleeping Beauty" involved rotating lights, smoke machines and a disco ball. The final effect was a visually and aurally fresh take on the well-read story which produced a fairy tale world for all ages in attendance.

This final outcome was all the more impressive due to the small size of the company. The actors and actresses with AFT were not only performers with multiple roles, but they were all also in part responsible for the set, sound and lights, setting up the stage between acts.

The performers exhibited professionalism while on stage, and emphasized the simplicity of the theater's ability to entertain. Compliments are due to the actors, actresses, performance managers, sound techs, and Jorgensen crew that completed two shows of "Sleeping Beauty" to jubilant crowds of children and parents.

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