The Abrons Arts Center is gearing up for a wild ride with their upcoming production of “Sleeping Beauty.” In this hilarious pantomime, director Julie Atlas Muz and writer Mat Fraser combine their talents to bring a fast and furious holiday tradition to life. With cheeky topical references, groan-inducing puns, and raucous audience interaction, “Sleeping Beauty” promises to be a captivating and entertaining show for the whole family. As the cast gathers onstage in their costumes, the energy is palpable, and everyone is ready for the train ride of a lifetime. This article delves into the world of pantomimes and explores how Muz and Fraser have cracked the code, making Abrons Arts Center the go-to destination for this unique and beloved British tradition.
Synopsis
Overview of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production at Abrons Arts Center
The article provides an in-depth look at the production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at Abrons Arts Center. It introduces the background of pantomime and the British holiday tradition, as well as the experiences of director Julie Atlas Muz and writer and actor Mat Fraser with pantos. The article explores the Panto Project at Abrons Arts Center, previous productions, and how pantos have been integrated into the organization’s mission. It also introduces the cast and crew of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production and highlights the roles of the children actors in the babes chorus. The article discusses community engagement through acting classes at Abrons Arts Center and the free ticket distribution for program participants. It provides an overview of the fairy tale of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and explains the updates and changes made in this production. The article also explores the incorporation of popular songs with rewritten lyrics and Mat Fraser’s approach to updating the music. It discusses the challenges of merging the cool-cat sensibility of Julie Atlas Muz and Mat Fraser with the family-friendly genre of pantos and highlights the unique experiences of performing in a panto. The article concludes by emphasizing the joy and laughter that the production brings to the audience and offers closing thoughts on the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production at Abrons Arts Center.
Background
Introduction to pantomime and the British holiday tradition
Pantomime, commonly known as panto, is a British theatrical holiday tradition known for its fast-paced and comedic performances. Pantos are broadly comic versions of classic fairy tales that incorporate cheeky topical references, puns, cross-dressing, and audience interaction. This article explores the background of pantomime and its significance in British culture during the holiday season.
Director Julie Atlas Muz’s first experience with pantos
Director Julie Atlas Muz, a Detroit native, experienced her first panto and was captivated by its unique and energetic nature. She describes it as a “punk-rock concert for kids” and was inspired by the creativity and entertainment value it offered. Muz’s first encounter with pantos sparked her interest in bringing this British tradition to a wider audience.
Mat Fraser’s childhood connection to pantos
Mat Fraser, a British writer and actor, grew up with pantos playing a significant role in his childhood. He watched his parents perform in pantos, with his mother often playing the principal boy and his father portraying the baddie. Fraser’s early exposure to pantos sparked his passion for theater and influenced his career in the theatrical, burlesque, and nightlife scenes.
The Panto Project at Abrons Arts Center
Overview of the Panto Project
The Panto Project is an initiative at Abrons Arts Center that aims to bring pantomime productions to American audiences. The project is led by Julie Atlas Muz and Mat Fraser, who have successfully adapted and staged pantos at Abrons Arts Center since 2017. This article provides an overview of the Panto Project and its goal of introducing the British holiday tradition of pantos to the United States.
Previous productions at Abrons Arts Center
The article highlights the previous pantomime productions staged by the Panto Project at Abrons Arts Center. ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ in 2017 and ‘Dick Rivington & the Cat’ in 2021 were both well-received by audiences. The article emphasizes how these pantos were seamlessly integrated into Abrons Arts Center’s organization and mission.
Integration of pantos into Abrons’s organization and mission
Unlike many seasonal offerings, the pantos produced by the Panto Project are fully integrated into Abrons Arts Center’s organization and mission. Julie Atlas Muz and Mat Fraser, who live nearby, have a personal connection to Abrons Arts Center and have been actively involved in its programs and performances. The article discusses how pantos are more than just scheduled productions at Abrons Arts Center, but rather a part of the institution’s commitment to community engagement and accessibility.
The Cast and Crew
Meet the director, Julie Atlas Muz
The article introduces Julie Atlas Muz, the director of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. It highlights her previous work in the theatrical, burlesque, and nightlife scenes and her personal connection to Abrons Arts Center. Muz’s creative vision and expertise in directing pantos contribute to the success of the production.
Meet the writer and actor, Mat Fraser
The article introduces Mat Fraser, the writer and actor involved in the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. Fraser, who is British, has a deep connection to pantos from his childhood and brings his creative talent and experience to the show. The article discusses Fraser’s approach to modernizing the music and incorporating unexpected songs and genres into the production.
Overview of the cast members and their roles
The article provides an overview of the cast members involved in the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production and highlights their respective roles. It emphasizes the diverse talents and performances that contribute to making the production engaging and entertaining for the audience.
Roles of the children actors in the ‘babes chorus’
The article discusses the roles of the children actors in the ‘babes chorus’ of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. It highlights how many of the panto actors, including the children, have taken acting classes at Abrons Arts Center, creating a community connection and fostering talent development.
Community Engagement
Acting classes at Abrons Arts Center
The article explores the acting classes offered at Abrons Arts Center and their role in community engagement. It discusses how many of the panto actors, including the children actors, have participated in these classes, showcasing the impact of the center’s programs on talent development and creativity.
Free ticket distribution for program participants
The article highlights the free ticket distribution for program participants at Abrons Arts Center. It emphasizes the organization’s commitment to making theater accessible to everyone and how this initiative benefits the community. The article also mentions the relatively affordable ticket prices, further contributing to the accessibility of the pantos.
The Story of ‘Sleeping Beauty’
Overview of the fairy tale
The article provides an overview of the classic fairy tale ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ It explains the main plot points and characters, setting the stage for the adaptation and updates made in the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production at Abrons Arts Center.
Updates and changes made in this production
The article discusses the updates and changes made to the original fairy tale in the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. It highlights how the character of Belle has been given a more active role and how certain elements have been altered to suit the modern audience.
Introduction to the characters and their roles
The article introduces the main characters in the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production and provides insights into their roles. It explores the dynamics between the characters and their significance in the adaptation and storytelling of the production.
Musical Spoofs and Modernization
Incorporation of popular songs with rewritten lyrics
The article discusses the incorporation of popular songs with rewritten lyrics in the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. It highlights how this adds a comedic and modern twist to the musical numbers, making them enjoyable for both children and adults in the audience.
Mat Fraser’s approach to updating the music
Mat Fraser’s approach to updating the music is explored in this section. The article highlights Fraser’s desire to modernize the songs and his selection of unexpected songs and genres to surprise and entertain the audience.
Adding unexpected songs and genres to the repertoire
The article discusses the addition of unexpected songs and genres to the musical repertoire of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. It emphasizes the creativity and versatility of the production team in incorporating diverse musical styles, ensuring an engaging and entertaining experience for the audience.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz’s usual work for adult audiences
The article explores Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz’s usual work, known for its adult-oriented themes and performances. It highlights the contrast between their typical productions and the family-friendly genre of pantomime, showcasing their versatility as theatrical artists.
Merging their cool-cat sensibility with the family-friendly genre of pantos
The article discusses how Julie Atlas Muz and Mat Fraser merge their cool-cat sensibility with the family-friendly genre of pantomime. It explores how their unique creative vision and style elevate the entertainment value of pantos, making them enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
The unique challenges of performing in a panto
The article acknowledges the unique challenges of performing in a panto, ranging from audience interaction to delivering lines amid constant interruptions. It highlights the joy and energy that these challenges bring to both the performers and the audience, making pantos a lively and unpredictable form of theater.
The Joy of Theater
Actors’ experiences with the enthusiastic audience response
The article discusses the actors’ experiences with the enthusiastic audience response during the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production. It highlights the power of laughter and joy in theater and how the audience’s reactions contribute to the success of the pantomime.
The power of laughter and joy in theater
The article emphasizes the power of laughter and joy in theater, particularly in the context of pantomime. It explores how pantos bring a sense of escapism and entertainment to the audience, creating a positive and uplifting experience.
Conclusion
Closing thoughts on the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production at Abrons Arts Center
The article concludes by providing closing thoughts on the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production at Abrons Arts Center. It highlights the success of the Panto Project in bringing the British holiday tradition of pantomime to American audiences and emphasizes the entertainment value and community engagement associated with this production. The article encourages readers to experience the joy of theater and attend the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production at Abrons Arts Center.
