TANYA BATSON-SAVAGE
The lively, colourful costumes were a wonderful part of 'The Sleeping Beauty'.
Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
WITH ALL the youthful exuberance that one could expect of them, the Jamaica Junior Theatre has produced The Sleeping Beauty. Directed by Peter Haley, The Sleeping Beauty is currently playing at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, University of the West Indies, Mona.
The production is produced by the group's chairman, Doug Bennett, who also acts as musical director and scriptwriter. Jon Williams is the soundtrack creator and arranger, while Carolyn Chin Yee is costume designer and coordinator.
'Cute' would go a long way in describing the production, and so would delightful and funny. In this version of the classic fairytale, Bennett tries to dig just a little deeper than the Disney version, though there are clear influences from that animated offering.
The story in large part keeps to the classic fairy tale and so there is the expected curse by the evil fairy, the sleeping for 100 years and, of course, a prince who is willing to sneak into a sleeping woman's bed chamber and take advantage of her unawares.
DELIGHTFUL MUSIC
The music is an impressive part of what makes The Sleeping Beauty enjoyable, as the play is filled with delightful music. Once Upon a Dream, taken from the Disney version, adds to the sense of timeless romance, while Rodgers and Hammerstein's I Enjoy Being A Girl enhances the production's quirky sense of fun. The version of Ode to Joy which is delivered at the end is an unexpected treat.
The actors are, of course, an important part of the musical delivery. Shauna Myers (Briar Rose/ Sleeping Beauty) has a beautiful voice that appears to be in full bloom. She has not yet mastered moving from one octave to the next, but she has great potential quite a treat for the ears.
Her counterpart Meshach Mitchell (Prince Arlon) also has a strong voice. However, he is a far way from exploring its full potential. After a few years he too should be a wondrous treat for the ears. Elizabeth Goffe (Bianca) also displayed an impressive set of vocal chords. Shanique Sinclair, who is vibrant as the stereotypical villain, is also armed with a strong voice.
Costuming for the production is wonderful. The pieces are largely taken on the flowing lines of medieval Europe, creating colourful montages on the stage. The story's villain, Karlotta (Shanique Sinclair), therefore quickly stands out as the sign of evil. Draped in black lace, Karlotta is made to contrast darkly against the brilliant, lively gaiety of the other costumes.
Bennett in large part tries to deepen the plot with an interesting take on women. While Briar Rose sleeps peacefully, Prince Arlon comes across some interesting women in his travels. First he meets up with a group of Amazonian types who threaten their passage and later they come across a gaggle of love-struck girls.
Interestingly, the production flirts with sauciness, first through the girls who make very veiled promises to the young prince and later when Briar Rose is awakened by that famous kiss.
