REV: Sleeping Beauty at the Vortex

Emma McNairy as Sleeping Beauty
at The Vortex, Austin


Sleeping Beauty opened at the Vortex Theatre in Austin tonight, with the lovely Emma McNairy in the title role. Emma is also one of the subjects of The Extra Mile and i was there for final dress rehearsal to film her.

This original take on the fairy tale by Bonnie Cullum and Content Love Knowles has a ton going for it, and i'm sure that as the production proceeds and tightens (perhaps opening night adrenaline did the trick) it will be quite the spectacle.

In the incarnation i saw (interrupted only by directorial work, which is what rehersals are for) i was enough intrigued to decide i'll probably return with friends.

In decidedly avant-grade trim -- interchanging musicians/actors, breaking of the third wall, anachronistic touches, and twists on the original story -- Cullum has produced a winner.

The songs are mostly superbly wrought lyrically and musically, though the birth/waiting song (which was obviously was intended to be monotonous and overwrought) is a bit too monotonous and overwrought. The occasional (non-parodying) cliche seems below the level of the rest of the production as well.

I'm sorry for not having the other actor's names here, programs were not available for final dress (nor was anyone expecting me to review i'm sure or they might have provided one). But mention has to be made of various and others and i hope to have names at some point.

Emma was phenomenal, both as her character and for the singular beauty of her voice. The suitor, Prince Dave, delivered the Arlo Guthrie-ish two either-side-of-denouement songs with great tenderness and sensititvity, and i'm sure once i learn his name i'll realize that he makes something of a living as an acoustic singer/songwriter.

Various of the fairies were downright enchanting, perhaps i can honor them separately once i know who they are. Some others were quite funny, some difficult to watch -- so difficult that to focus on them takes you completely out of the play. I don't know if that's good or bad.

The Queen was queenly in more ways than one, all good. And the king was perfect in his role.

Aside from the constant, and almost perfectly placed and delivered score, the other thing i think deserves strong mention is the lighting. For a small corner stage, the combination of lighting, changes and use of fog was just fantastic. The transitions were particularly effective and seamless. Kudos to whoever designed and executed that piece of the show.

All in all, a very enjoyable show, an excellent script and score. Congrats to Bonnie for pulling this off. May it travel well.

Photo by Kennth B. Gall of Emma McNairy as Sleeping Beauty