 |
Sleeping Beauty 2003 © Ballet NJ |
The Sleeping Beauty
April 24, April 25, May 01, May 02
at the Vorhees Middle School
Prologue
The king anxiously awaits the birth of his only child. At last the infant arrives. The king calls
for a grand christening celebration to which all the fairies of the kingdom are invited to bestow
their blessings on his daughter, Aurora. As the fairies present their gifts of beauty, grace,
generosity, song, and temperament, they are interrupted by the arrival of Carabosse; she is enraged and
insulted that the king forgot to invite her to the ceremony. Carabosse announces her curse that Aurora
will one day prick her finger and die. Luckily the Lilac Fairy has yet to give her present. She declares
that although Aurora will prick her finger she will not die. Instead she will fall into a deep sleep
from which she will be awoken after a hundred years by the kiss of a prince.
Entr'acte
Carabosse and her entourage prepare the poisoned needle and hide it in a bouquet of flowers for Aurora.
Act One
It is Aurora's 18th birthday. The palace gardens are decorated and the celebrations begin. Aurora receives
four suitors who honor her with gifts of roses. During the festivities Aurora clutches Carabosse's flowers,
pricks her finger and faints away. Carabosse reveals herself in triumph and vanishes. The Lilac Fairy returns
to fulfill her promise. Aurora is carried inside the palace where she and the court will sleep until the
arrival of the prince.
Intermission
Act Two
One hundred years later, Prince Florimund is out hunting with some companions. There in the forest he sees
a vision of the most beautiful woman he has ever imagined; it is Aurora. Florimund dances with Aurora and
falls instantly in love. When the vision disappears Florimund pleads with the Lilac Fairy to take him to
Aurora. Florimund discovers the overgrown castle, but must first do battle with Carabosse, who would prevent
him from entering. Once inside the castle Florimund finds Aurora and awakens her with a kiss. Florimund
declares his love for Aurora and the king and queen give their blessing for their marriage.
Act Three
The palace must be prepared for the wedding. The dust of the ages must be cleaned, and a wedding dress must
be made for Aurora. The Fairies return for the celebration along with the fairy tale characters of the Bluebird
and Princess Florine, Puss in Boots and the White Cat. Everyone joins in a dance of celebration. Finally
Florimund and Princess Aurora are married and receive the blessing of the Lilac Fairy.
