Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” is coming to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m., presented by the Sedona International Film Festival.
Following a sell-out U.K. tour, Matthew Bourne’s stunning production of “Sleeping Beauty” has been filmed for the big screen. 
This brand-new production created by Britain’s most successful choreographer premiered at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London to rave reviews and has been delighting audiences and selling out at many venues on this phenomenal tour.
The story begins in 1890, the year of the ballet’s first performance, at the christening of the heroine Princess Aurora. It was the Fin-de-Siecle period when fairies, vampires and decadent opulence fed the gothic imagination.
As Aurora grows into a young woman, we move forward in time to the more rigid, uptight Edwardian era: A mythical golden age of long summer afternoons, croquet on the lawn and new dance crazes. Years later, awakening from her century-long slumber, Aurora finds herself in the modern day, a world more mysterious and wonderful than any fairy story. Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” is a gothic romance that will delight dance fans of all ages.
The choreographer’s new scenario introduces several characters not seen in Petipa’s famous ballet or Grimm’s fairy tale: The royal family is headed by King Benedict and Queen Eleanor; Princess Aurora’s romantic interest is not a prince, but the royal gamekeeper, Leo; and representing the central forces of good and evil are Count Lilac, the King of the Fairies, and the Dark Fairy, Carabosse. In another innovation, Bourne has created the character of Cardoc, Carabosse’s sinister but charming son.
The sensational cast for “Sleeping Beauty” features many familiar faces from previous Matthew Bourne productions: Dominic North, Hannah Vassallo and Ashley Shaw. Bourne worked again with three of his regular collaborators and associate artists on “Sleeping Beauty.”
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning designers Lez Brotherston [set and costumes], Paule Constable [lighting] and Paul Groothuis [sound design] have created a truly bewitching spectacle.
Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre one day only: Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $15 or $12.50 for Film Festival members. Call 282-1177 for tickets and more information.
Both the theater and film festival office are at 2030 W. State Route 89A in West Sedona. Visit SedonaFilmFestival.org for more information.
