Wagon Wheel Junior Kicks Off Encore Season With 'Enchanted Sleeping Beauty'
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Staff Report-
When the Wagon Wheel Theatre announced it would become a not-for-profit theater and focus on arts education, the administration knew there was interest in the community. “We already had in place our summer workshops with huge waiting lists,” said Will Dawson, Wagon Wheel Theatre director of operations, “but we were amazed by the amount of students who showed up on Saturday audition dates.” The theater reports nearly 300 students auditioned over the course of three shows last year and the trend is growing. “At the very first audition (for ‘Enchanted Sleeping Beauty’) we saw 176 kids and realized we are servicing a big community need,” he said. “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty” is based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The king and queen of Never Nod have a new baby, Princess Briar Rose (played by Chloe Hoskins). The witch Evilina (Katie Yocum), who lives with a giant spider, sets a terrible curse on the poor young princess. Sixteen years later, it’s up to Prince Alexander (Chase Stiffler) to come to Briar-Rose’s rescue and the court’s too ... for they are all asleep. The prince must fight a Wall of Thorns (Andrew Hawblitzel), a False Princess (Amy Herendeen) and, most frightening of all, the exalted Dark Knight (Briley Gargis). The zany, lovable characters and the score are as enchanting as Briar-Rose in this family favorite, suitable for all ages. “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty” is staged once again by award-winning Artistic Director Scott Michaels. All tickets are $12 and are on sale now by calling the box office at 574-267-8041 or visiting the website at wagonwheeltheatre.org Proceeds benefit the Wagon Wheel Jr. Youth Theatre Program.
