THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 25, 1995 TAG: 9510240130
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER BENNETT, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
``Sleeping Beauty'' comes to Pavilion stage this weekend, helping The Hurrah Players, a nonprofit educational theater in Norfolk, celebrate its 12th anniversary.
The tale of the cursed princess whose life is saved by a prince will be presented with a little twist and a lot of fun, according to the director.
``It's not just a pretty story,'' said Hugh Copeland, founder, director and president of the Hurrah Players. ``A talented cast, comic fairies, a wonderful score, good singing and good dancing total first-rate family entertainment.''
Suffolk's Rachel Ford, 15, will star as Sleeping Beauty. Ford also appeared in previous Hurrah productions, ``Cinderella,'' ``Starmites'' and ``Showstoppers.''
Victoria Blake, who moved here from California, portrays Trollerina, a wicked fairy with an attitude. After her performance in ``Cinderella'' last year, Blake is welcome back on stage, Copeland said. A six-year Hurrah student, Chris Farabaugh, a 16-year-old Kellam High School senior, brings the princess back to life with his magical kiss as Prince Charming.
One Virginia Beach family has made the show a group affair. Mom Glenda Palmer plays keyboards for the production while daughter Christina and son Christopher are in the cast.
Also featured are three sets of twins and a real baby (if cooperative).
Former Hurrah student Frankie Sneed designed a display of colorful scenery on a two-story stage. Lonna Trent's costumes complement the backdrop. Musical director Polly Martin conducts a live six-piece orchestra of local musicians.
Copeland said he chose this play because he wanted a big opening for the theater's anniversary season.
With 150 to 180 students, Hurrah serves as a training ground for aspiring young entertainers. Former Hurrah students such as Jesse Kearney, who works on a professional production of ``Grease,'' and Nita Booth, a Disney mouseketeer, developed their craft there.
To help young children develop an appreciation for the theater, the company has a Little Playhouse Studio. Here, youngsters 2 and up join the cast and participate on stage. Currently ``Jungle Book'' is being presented on selected weekends. The next showing is Nov. 11.
During the remainder of the season, The Hurrah Players will put on ``The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'' in December, ``Jack and the Beanstalk'' in March and a singing and dancing event called ``And the Winner Is'' in May.
``Sleeping Beauty'' will be presented Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. On the following weekend, hours will be 7 p.m. Nov. 3 and 3 p.m. Nov. 4 and 5. Tickets are $9 and $11. Call 627-5437 for tickets or information. ILLUSTRATION: In The Hurrah Players' performance of ``Sleeping Beauty,'' the
Palmer family of Virginia Beach plays a key role. Christina, left,
plays the Good Fairy, mom Glenda plays keyboards and Christopher is
the Court Attendant.
by CNB