Sleeping Beauty may be one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales, but its celebrated ballet version clocks in at more than two hours -- way longer than most little ones’ attention spans. Still, Christine Meneer, artistic director of the Ballet Theatre of Ohio (which stages a production at the Akron Civic Theatre this weekend), is confident that children won’t take a cue from the ballet’s heroine and doze through the performance. She says the dazzling dancing and timeless story will keep them wide awake, although the biggest challenge is “trying to update the original intent of the ballet,” which was first choreographed in 1890.
The key, says Meneer, is sticking to the original tale about a sleepy princess, a mean queen, and a smooch-happy prince. The lead dancers, she adds, “give the ballet an added sparkle.” Throw in elaborate sets, glittery costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s famous score, and even the drowsiest viewers will be won over. “Children of all ages will sit on the edge of their seats for the entire ballet,” Meneer says.
May 5-6, 2 & 7 p.m.
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