MEMPHIS (April 14, 2010) – – – Ballet Memphis will debut its new interpretation of the classic storybook ballet, Sleeping Beauty, on April 24 at Playhouse on the Square.  The show runs through May 2 for six public performances.

Famed Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky finished his score to Sleeping Beauty in 1889.  Considered by many to be the finest of Tchaikovsky’s three ballet scores, Sleeping Beauty was first choreographed by Maurice Petipa – the ballet master of the Russian Imperial Ballet – and has been interpreted by many others including Sergei Diaghliev.

Based on Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, the ballet Sleeping Beauty follows the story of the beloved Princess Aurora, who, as an infant, is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse and doomed to die on her 16^th birthday after pricking her finger on a spindle. But the good Enchanted Fairy, who had yet to bestow her gift on the young princess, says that instead of dying the princess will instead sleep for 100 years until awakened by love’s first kiss. 

In Bradley’s version, Princess Aurora is known as Briar Rose and instead of a prince, it is a young gardener who grows up knowing Briar Rose who bestows the saving kiss.

“In his version, Travis wanted the prince to be a more ordinary man,” said Dorothy Gunther Pugh, founder and artistic director. “His retelling reminds that the true ‘princes’ in life are not defined simply by wealth, power, birth or status.”

Mallory Alexander International Logistics in association with business partner 1 800 FLOWERS have generous donated nearly 2,000 roses to be used in this production.

Show dates and times:

• Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m.

• Thursday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, May 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10, $20, $35, $50 and $70 and may be purchased by calling Ballet Memphis at 901-737-7322 or by clicking here.