A fairy tale with flair: Daytona Playhouse presents 'Sleeping Beauty'

Shows are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 11, 12, 18 and 19.

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A fairy tale sprinkled with fantastical wit and comedic timing is coming to the Daytona Playhouse this weekend, as the theatre presents "Sleeping Beauty." 

The musical comedy, written and directed by Daytona Playhouse President Kathy Thompson, features a cast of 27 young actors who have been rehearsing the production since May. "Sleeping Beauty" is part of the Daytona Playhouse's 80th season and puts a spin on the timeless fairy tale, telling the story of a king and queen seeking to marry their daughter to a rich prince to save their kingdom — but she is reluctant, the princes can't stop squabbling and she's carrying a curse placed on her as a baby.

Playing some of the lead roles are Stella Taylor as "Princess Beauty," Annika Russo as "Scariebosse," Nick Soorsma as "King Bumble" and Izzabella Porter as "Queen Bea."

This is the first lead role for Porter, a rising senior at Mainland High School. "Sleeping Beauty" marks her ninth show at the Playhouse, and she said she's looking forward to having her "spotlight moment" as an actor who is often part of a show's ensemble.

"It's really cool to be able to show off my acting side of myself, as well as get to perform with so many talented people alongside of it," Porter said. "It's a really great opportunity."

This will be Taylor's first show at the Playhouse. A rising sophomore at Seabreeze, Taylor said playing Beauty is a role she's always wanted. This will be her first community production, and Taylor said she tries to get to rehearsal early to rehearse her lines with Russo and sing through her solos.

"There's definitely a lot of twists and mixes from the original," Taylor said. "This one's really fun. Miss Kathy definitely made it a very good experience."

Russo is no stranger to playing villains, having last played the "Queen of Hearts" for Athen's Theatre's production of "Alice in Wonderland, Jr." 

Russo, a rising junior at Seabreeze, said they're lucky to have the playhouse in the community.

"You can be yourself," she said. "We're performing and we're never judged. It's like a foundation of a family and it's very welcoming."

Soorsma, a recent Mainland grad, has been performing with the Daytona Playhouse for about three years. Many people get an opportunity to act for the first time at shows like these, he said. But despite funding concerns for the creative arts in the county, Soorsma said the Daytona Playhouse's role in the community matters.

"It's nice to be able to find your scene," Soorsma said. "It's always here. It's not going anywhere."

Visit daytonaplayhouse.org.

 

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