Putting a Twist on the Classic Sleeping Beauty

Just in time for the holidays, the (BCP) presents Sleeping Beauty, a charming musical tale written by Jim Eiler with music by Eiler and Jeanne Bargy of the Prince Street Players from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18.

The enchanted story of Sleeping Beauty is brought to life by BCP’s dynamic cast in a playful, interactive musical the whole family will enjoy. The tale involves beautiful Princess Melisande, who is cursed by an evil spell cast upon her by the wicked fairy, Trollarina. Upon pricking her finger on the forbidden spinning wheel she is doomed, but with the help of her loving fairy godmothers, the princess is sent into a deep sleep and can only be awakened by the kiss of a prince. 

The audience is sure to be left with a smile after experiencing the classic story where love conquers evil – and even the youngest theatergoer will be excited to meet the cast for autographs after the show.

Sleeping Beauty is directed by Lynne Lupfer of Tenafly, a Life Member at BCP, making her mainstage directorial debut. In addition to directing countless shows throughout her career at Dwight Morrow High School and Park Ridge High School, she is the Founder and Artistic Director of the non-profit musical theater organization, Summertime Players, where she has produced and directed shows for years. 

Nicole Sartor embodies the role of the kind-hearted Princess Melisande, while her bewitched prince is played by the charming Steven Gebhardt. Both actors are from Park Ridge and will make their BCP debut with this performance. 

The evil Trollarina, who causes distress in the castle, is played by veteran performer Leslie Cohn of Randolph. The three good fairies that help reverse the evil spell are portrayed by Edie Orlando of Hillsdale, Rosella DeVincenzo of Oradell, and Nancy Rollins of Highland Mills, NY, all of whom have performed in many BCP productions over the years.

Ken Douglass of Garfield and Katie Lupfer of Tenafly play the King and Queen, and their loyal herald is brought to life by Rob Kopil of Suffern, NY. Rounding out the cast are the members of the Royal Court, played by Lesley Whyard of Westwood, Elizabeth Scully of Paramus, and Charley Rafferty of Cresskill.

Sleeping Beauty’s Assistant Director is Paul Reitnauer III of Demarest and the show is stage managed by Geri Berhain of Hasbrouck Heights. Cheryl Woertz of Alpine musically directs and Ginny Davenport Tsenebis of River Vale makes the story come to life with choreography.

The set for Sleeping Beauty is designed by Michael Smith of Oradell, who also serves as photographer. The intricate costumes are designed by Katie Lupfer. Lighting is designed by Joe Lanteri of Little Ferry and sound is designed by Joe Halajian of Teaneck. Oradell resident Rhea Smith serves as producer, with publicity by Nicole Sartor and program bios by Stephanie Bazzanella of Washington Township.

Sleeping Beauty will be performed at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18, with shows at 8pm on Fridays and 1pm and 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets for the one hour production, priced at $13, can be purchased online, by calling 201-261-4200, or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours.

Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted. Those interested in Group Sales of 20 or more tickets can call 201-262-0515. Following each performance, the audience will be able to meet the cast for autographs in the downstairs lounge.

Parking is free at the Park Avenue municipal lot, across the street, one-half block north of the theater.