The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre will bring the enchanted Sleeping Beauty to life from April 25 – May 11.

“This production is filled with colorful characters brought to life by a talented group of actors in this magical journey,” said Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre artistic director Bradley Anderson. “Share this classic fairytale of love, courage and the triumph of good over evil with the whole family.”

For years, the king and queen have wanted a child. So when their sweet princess is finally born, they invite the entire kingdom with the exception of one bad fairy. What follows is sure to leave audiences of all ages feeling happily ever after. Sleeping Beauty is written by Alan Keith Smith and is based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

The cast for Sleeping Beauty includes:

• John Isner of Little Rock, as Melon the Fool
• Katherine Kuli, of Little Rock, as Memory
• Mark Hansen, of Little Rock, as the King
• Memory Apata, of Little Rock, as the Queen
• Courtney Bennett, of Little Rock, as Twelfth Fairy
• Paige Carpenter,  of Lonsdale, as the Thirteenth Fairy
• Veronica Lowry, of Charlottesville, Va., as Rose
• Jeremy Matthey, of Little Rock, as The Prince
• Ben Fish, of Little Rock; Timothy Rhodes, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kate Kelly, of Little Rock; Jeffrey Oakley of Sherwood; Nina Sharpley, of North Little Rock; and Diondre Wright, of Little Rock are in the  Court

Bradley D. Anderson is the artistic director and director for the production. Musical direction by Lori Isner, costume design by Nikki Webster, technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Penelope Poppers, scenic design by Mary Alyce Hare, properties by Miranda Young and Sarah Gasser is the stage manager.

Presenting sponsors are Landers FIAT in Benton, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and in honor of Dorothy and Fallon Davis by Dr. Scott and Shannon Davis. The production is also sponsored by Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Foot Care.’ The Media Sponsor for this production is The Point 94.1.

Recognized by The Drama League as one of the best regional theatre companies in America, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is the only professional company in Arkansas that produces children’s literary works for the stage. Since 1979, Children’s Theatre has been creating unique experiences for family audiences. During the 2012-13 season, nearly 43,000 children and families enjoyed Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre productions which included more than 200 schools across Arkansas.

Guests are invited to experience a night full of merriment and magic at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre Sleeping Beauty Ball on Saturday, May 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. Admission to the event is $20.

For more information, visit arkansasartscenter.org or call (501)372-4000.