With a little encouragement from his friends, a reluctant "Bryce Charming" sets off to find and rescue Sleeping Beauty. The Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre production features, from left, Benjamin Brown, Kai'ana Ghassabian, Savannah Carroll, Dylan Grant and Violet Decredico.

The latest Youth Theatre production at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre might be considered something of a snoozefest, but only for its slumbering title character.

While "Sleeping Beauty" gets her ZZZs, the rest of the young actors will throw their energy into a fresh take on the longtime favorite. The production opens Friday, May 16, and runs through Sunday, May 25, on the Circle Stage.

Two casts present the fantasy: The Snore cast, directed by Lizzie Chazen, and the Snooze cast, directed by Scott Dunlap, who also penned the script.

Dunlap took inspiration from adventure films of the 1980s, such as "Goonies," in which kids go on a journey to accomplish a task.

"The elements of the fairy tale are all there, but they've been modernized," he explains. "This Beauty is a moody teen, not the hero of the story."

Chazen says her cast "is really enjoying this version. It's more relatable."

As in the original telling, the birth of a princess is cause for all the kingdom to celebrate. Everyone is invited to the festivities, but a simple error in the guest list turns everything upside down.

Eventually, a fearful but handsome prince and his clever group of friends embark on a journey to rescue the unlucky but beautiful princess who slumbers in a spellbound castle. They'll have to overcome harrowing obstacles to outwit a vengeful fairy to reach their happily ever after.

Theater officials say the production will appeal to all ages but is especially appropriate for grades K-5.

'SLEEPING BEAUTY' CASTS

¦ Snore cast: Benjamin Brown, Savannah Carroll, Drew Champion, Preston Choyce, Ava Culpepper, Violet Decredico, Chloe DeReuter, Aubrey Floyd, Loren Floyd, Kai'ana Ghassabian, Gracie Gilbert, Claire Gilliland, Dylan Grant, Breanna Ingram, Jamie McConnico, Hannah Meller, Maggie Meller, Emma Presley, Hannah Vaughn, Hayley Vaughn, Rachel Young. Stage manager: Sarah Cox. Assistant stage manager: Christopher Brown. Director: Lizzie Chazen.

¦ Snooze cast: Heidi Adkins, Kendall Berry, Bri Boyd, Hannah Carter, Charlie Clevenger, Kate Coffelt, Sallie Dean, Anna Derthick, Ashley Gilbert, Dylan Grant, Finny Heck, Hannah Lowe, Rachel Lowe, Emma Maynard, Nicole Nori, Greg Rambin Jr., Caroline Ring, Aaron Slack, Hailey White, Jessica Wicker, Matheson Wynnemer. Stage manager: Grace Hamilton. Director: Scott Dunlap.