Sarasota High Stages 'Twisted Fairy Tales'

Classic children’s stories will get a modern-day makeover as the Sarasota High School Drama Guild presents “Twisted Fairy Tales” at 7 p.m. nightly, through Saturday, in the SHS Auditorium.

The play offers updated whimsical versions of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Beauty and the Beast” and 24 other beloved fairy tales.

A matinee performance also will be staged at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Special performances for 1,200 elementary and middle school students will be held at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m., Friday.  

“Every year our theater students choose to do something to help benefit the community,” said Melissa Dweck, SHS drama teacher. “This year they chose to help educate younger students about theater and the importance of reading. I am so proud of them for reaching out to help others.” Melissa Dweck.

In addition to the performances at SHS, characters Snow White, Prince Charming and others visited Tuttle Elementary School Dec. 3 to read with students in first, second and fifth grades and show them how reading is fun and a fundamental skill needed for theater and other interests and careers.

“Playing the role of the Evil Queen is something I never thought I would get to do because I am a nice person in reality,” said SHS student Brittney Kennedy. “But that’s the fun of being an actress: pretending to be something we’re not. I’ve always wanted to use magic ever since I started reading the Harry Potter books. Now I get too fulfill that dream.”

At the two Saturday performances, children ages 5 to 13 can play characters in the show. Parents who want more information about this may contact the SHS Theater Department via email at SHSperformances@gmail.com.