Centerstage is pleased to announce the world premier of the latest of its hugely popular “English Christmas pantos”: SLEEPING BEAUTY. Part of a tradition that goes back three centuries, Centerstage pantos are written by Paul Hendy, now widely-regarded in England as one of the best in the business.

Centerstage Artistic Director explains how this came about: “I had lunch with Paul at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre near London as we were preparing for last year’s JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. I told him that we were starting to run out of his scripts that we’d be able to produce at Centerstage. SNOW WHITE was written for 7 diminutive adults (casting kids would not do…the script was a little too risqué) and we couldn’t afford to fly actors in PETER PAN. But I told him if he had a SLEEPING BEAUTY, we’d do it.” Six months later, Hendy agreed and put pen to paper on his latest project. This version of SLEEPING BEAUTY will premier in Federal Way before being produced at major theatres throughout England.

SLEEPING BEAUTYwill be directed by Vince Brady, choreographed by Amy Sennett-Starner with music direction by David Duvall. Set design by Deanna Zibello; costumes by Ron Leamon and Lighting Design by Christina Barrigan.

The term “pantomime” is sometimes confusing to American audiences, who equate the term with silent action. English Christmas pantomimes are anything but silent. The “panto” is an evolving style that can trace its roots back to a Commedia dell’ arte production at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1708. Drawing
on a dozen or so traditional fairy tales, the panto is built around stock comedy routines. Many beloved traditions have developed over the years: The Dame, always played by a man; the Prince, often played by a woman; audience participation taken to a new level and scores drawn freely from popular music of
the day.

Above all, the pantomime is carefully crafted for kids from 4 to 104. It is not just children’s theatre. It is most definitely family entertainment.

SLEEPING BEAUTYis part of the discounted 8-show Season Pass which is now on sale. Single tickets for all 16 performances are also on sale and available by phone at (253) 661-1444, online at www.centerstagetheatre.com, and in person at the Knutzen Family Theater box office. Single tickets are $25 for adults; $20for seniors, military, students 18 & over with ID; and $10 for youth 17 & under.

$17 tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. Centerstage has not raised its ticket prices in 4 years!

All shows are performed at the Knutzen Family Theatre. There are performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm…plus Saturday matinees and a Wednesday night show later in the run (call 253 661 1444 for details). The popular Wine with the Director Night continues,presented by Pacific Rim Wines is Saturday December 4th. Centerstage patrons meet with the show's director at 6:00 pm for wine and hors d'oeuvres. The Director will give a short presentation on the show you are about to see that night with a general audience Q&A for anyone who wishes to stay after the performance. Tickets to
Wine with the Director are $10.

CAST Appearing as Sleeping Beauty is Alicia Mendez. The production also features Roger Curtis, David Bestock, Dale Bowers, Sally Brady and Hilary Heinz. Appearing in the ensemble are: Heather Ruiz, Krista Curry, Matthew Della Cruz and Jeremy Adams. Following panto tradition, there are four juvenile performers,
known as “juves”: Olivia Roberts, Brenna Power, Rianne Meskel and Katelyn Cooper.

PAUL HENDY is one of the principals of Evolution Productions, which produces bespoke pantomimes at major theatres throughout England. As producer, writer, actor and director, Mr. Hendy has been a major contributor to the development of this unique art form. He authored Cinderella, Aladdin and Jack And The
Beanstalk, all of which were produced at Centerstage. In addition, he has hosted many TV shows on British TV, including the ubiquitous Wheel Of Fortune; Don’t Try This At Home and The Disney Club. He is the author of two critically-acclaimed novels: Who Killed Simon Peters? and Diary of a C-List Celebrity. Paul lives in Kent, England with his wife Emily and little boy, Freddie, who is already showing signs of wanting to go onstage.