Beauty, by playwright/director Tina Landau, is the latest of many incarnations of the Sleeping Beauty tale. Landau creates a contemporary version blending the past (1,000 years ago) and the present through both creative dialogue and music. Constance, played by Lisa Harrow, is the crone/hag who narrates the story bridging the two time periods. She dominates the stage even as the ensemble members (David Ari, Corey Brill, Simone Vicari Moore, Adam Smith, and Amy Stewart) perform their various roles. Constance sets the scenes and comments during them but rarely interacts with the players -- a charming performance.
The excellent Jason Danieley, as James, has the difficult task of portraying a character bridging the 1,000 years in total confusion. James ranges from anger to frustration to joy as he is met with obstacles, misdirection, and the final meeting with Rose, sleeping beauty.
Kelli O'Hara, Rose, does not sleep through the play. As we travel through time, from her birth to the final meeting with James, she is part of the action, which at times takes on a ballet of movement and song. O'Hara is an excellent soprano who makes a perfect sleeping beauty. The ensemble often backs up the principals in song and charming choreographed movement. They also fill the roles of Princes, King, Madeline, and Queen Marguerite. Richard Tibbitts adds his musical talent to the production.
Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen do a masterful job of creating the sound and music. Scenic designer Riccardo Hernandez has created an abstract set of moving panels that convey the many changes of location. Costumer Melina Root brings an interesting combination of designs depicted the past and the present, with James dressed as a contemporary student. Lighting designer Scott Zielinski creates environments as small as a solo spot to full stage, further defining the talent and set.
Beauty is a charming show. Ms. Landau has brought forth an original telling of an oft-told tale. Her dialogue changes with the period quite smoothly. This original piece, which has gone through many permutations during the rehearsal, is an amusing blend of abstract and reality theater.
