Naperville North tweaks fairy tale version of 'Snow White'
Sure, you can name all of Santa's reindeer and you can rattle off the list of planets in order of their distance from the sun.
How about the seven dwarfs?
If your list includes Doc, Sleepy or even Dopey - well, then you haven't seen Naperville North's version of the story.
When North's actors take the stage today in "Snow White," Doc will be called Chief while Sleepy is named Lazy. The children's play also will feature Dippy, Grumbly, Wheezy, Giggles and Timid.
The name changes, along with a few dialogue tweaks, were made in an effort to raise the comedic quotient of the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale about a fair maiden and her evil, vengeful stepmother, director Lee Sargent said.
"We sort of made changes of our own, making the show a little more appealing to kids," said Sargent, a senior who's acted in several school theater productions and is making his directorial debut. "This play is really about being fun."
Sargent said the students' show will first be performed for elementary students this afternoon before beginning a public run of three performances set for 7 p.m. today and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
The cast of about 25 includes a few characters previously not seen in a production of "Snow White."
"We actually added parts to this show," Sargent said.
In North's version, the huntsman who takes Snow White into the woods to rid the kingdom of her at the command of the evil queen is visited by two versions of himself. One is a "good conscience," the other is an "evil conscience," Sargent said.
Junior Bridget Deely plays one of one of the dwarfs who give Snow White shelter and food after she is abandoned in the forest. Her character, Dippy, is based on the dwarf originally named Dopey.
"A lot of it is being confused and goofy," said Deely, adding that she's happy to be back on stage, having performed in musicals in junior high and as a freshman.
Deely said the show uses a few special effects that bring the magic of the fairy tale alive.
"There's a huge witch transformation," she said, referring to a scene when the queen looks into the magic mirror and sees a witch peering back.
That change, shrouded in fog provided by a fog machine, is actually accomplished with two actors, she said.
Sargent said the two-act show runs about 75 to 90 minutes and includes an intermission.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Snow White," presented by Naperville North High School theater students</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Dec. 12, and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Main auditorium at Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St. </p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $8 adults, $7 students and seniors</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 420-6480</p>