What would happen if Sleeping Beauty didn’t like the prince who kissed her? She wouldn’t wake up!  At least not for centuries! That’s the premise of this world premiere musical adaptation ofSleeping Beauty at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City.

Produced in conjunction with the Center Theater Group and the Deaf West Theater, the production utilizes both deaf and hearing actors, signing and singing.  The musical is the first-of-its-kind commissioned work created expressly for the genre that the producers coined the “Sign Language Theatre Musical.”

Sleeping Beauty is a story we’ve all grown up with; but in this version, Beauty doesn’t wake up until modern times, in a Sleep Disorder Center, where assorted catatonics, narcoleptics, and somnambulists are hanging out.  Her father, the king, traded the sorcerers of his kingdom all his jewels for their magic, so he could live long enough to watch over his daughter and be there when she finally wakes up.  And when she does, it’s by the kiss of a catatonic motorcyclist who works as an orderly in the Sleep Center.  It’s someone her father would never approve of, but somehow everything works out.

Although Sleeping Beauty was originally a purely romantic story, in this version there is an additional theme that is poignant and meaningful, with an ending that touched my heart.  It’s the story of a father and daughter; he wants to keep her safe always, but finally realizes he must let her be free to live her own life and make mistakes along the way.  It’s tender and touching—and a surprise to see there’s something deeper under the fun and creativity.

More than that, the production is hip and clever, with musicians that totally rock!  The music and lyrics of Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda are creative, sharp, and witty.  This husband and wife team comprises two thirds of the pop/rock band Groove Lily—and they are a smash.

Valerie is the voice of Snow White.  Her voice soars and is often accompanied by her six-string electric violin, which is spectacular.  Brendan does the voice of Beauty’s love interests and also plays keyboard for the production.  With a book by Rachel Sheinkin and direction by Jeff Calhoun, Sleeping Beauty Wakes is a special and entertaining fable to be enjoyed by all ages.

The last musical collaboration from the Center Theater Group and the Deaf West Theater was Big River, which played at the Ahmanson and moved on to Broadway to win several Tony Awards.

Sleeping Beauty Wakes is a comparatively small show with a simple story, but it’s fresh and fun, as well as a rare opportunity to be shared by both hearing and deaf audiences.

Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

www.centertheatregroup.org / 213-628-2772