Panto Sleeping Beauty

Kenn McLaughlin and company give a traditional fairy tale a new twist

Comments (0) By Olivia Flores Alvarez Thursday, Nov 19 2009

Stages Repertory Theatre is mounting a slightly different holiday show this year, Panto Sleeping Beauty. "Last season, Panto Cinderella was a great success," says Eva Laporte, resource development manager for the company. "It was such a treat that we decided to do Sleeping Beautythis year. [We] were searching for the perfect script for that show, then we decided, 'Let's just write our own.' So we did." (Actually, Stages' Producing Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin wrote the book and lyrics, while David Nehls wrote the music.)

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Local writers meant a great deal of freedom in the script and storyline, allowing McLaughlin to make reference to current events. "There are jokes about Houston, about pop culture that are mixed into the fairy tale. Look for a blend of the traditional story with a lot of modern jokes," says Laporte. "The style of pantos is entertaining for adults but still very appropriate for children; it's all very stimulating and fun. Adults get some jokes; kids get others. We even have a naughty version for New Year's Eve, where the jokes go all the way." A naughty Sleeping Beauty? We hope her crown doesn't fall off. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Through January 3, 2010. 3201 Allen Parkway. For information, call 713-527-0123 or visit www.stagestheatre.com. $35 to $45.
Wednesdays-Sundays. Starts: Nov. 18. Continues through Jan. 3, 2009