WonderQuest Offers Free Stage Tour of SLEEPING BEAUTY Tonight

What happens when a classic tale is set on the far side of the world, in ancient Asia? And how do you create the magical world of Sleeping Beauty, complete with dragons, fairies, and princes who will fight for their love?

Find out at the upcoming free Stage Tour of the WonderQuest production of Sleeping Beauty, at 6:00pm, tonight, Sept.16, at Brenau University's Pearce Auditorium (500 Washington Street SE, Gainesville). WonderQuest is the young audiences division of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, a nationally acclaimed collaboration of the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, theatre professionals and the North Georgia community.

Sleeping Beauty director Gay Hammond will talk with visitors about the treats and challenges of performing this well-known children's classic. Repeat WonderQuest patrons will recognize her as the playwright who penned the script for 2013's Alice in Wonderland, and previous productions including The Frog Prince and The Briar Patch. Scenic Designer Larry Cook and Guest Costume Designer Jeanie Crawford will also be on hand to discuss their research and inspiration on the road to departing from the Disney story to create a tale in an ancient Asian empire. Stage Tour visitors will also be treated to a scene from the play.

Sleeping Beauty opens Sept. 26 and runs through October 4, with 7:30pm performances Sept. 26 & 27 and Oct. 3 &4; 2:30pm performances Sept. 28 and Oc. 4. There are numerous special events associated with performances, including a free ice cream social and a workshop for children aged 6-12 - details on the GTA website, www.gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org. More than 8,000 patrons are expected at the show's 16 performances.

While the Stage Tour is free, ticket prices for the production are $10-12 for adults and seniors and $7-8 for students depending on seat location. Patrons can select and purchase seats on the website, www.gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org, or by calling the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624, Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm and Friday from 10am to 3pm.