This December, Sudbury Performance Group (SPG) is turning up the sparkle and rewriting the fairy tale rulebook with its family holiday production of Once Upon a One More Time — a dazzling, high-energy Broadway musical set to the iconic hits of Britney Spears.
Running Dec. 11–20 at Thorneloe University on the Laurentian campus, this modern fairytale remix invites audiences of all ages to join Cinderella, Snow White and their storybook friends as they discover what happens when “happily ever after” gets a powerful, empowering twist.
When a fairy godmother-in-training delivers an unexpected gift — a copy of The Feminine Mystique — the princesses begin to question everything they thought they knew about love, destiny, and their roles in the pages of their stories.
Fueled by Britney’s biggest hits, from “Baby One More Time” and “Toxic” to “Stronger” and “Oops!... I Did It Again,” the musical is a celebration of self-discovery, sisterhood and rewriting your own ending.
“This show is so clever in the way it intertwines Britney’s incredible catalogue of pop anthems with a story that’s both funny and deeply empowering,” said Mark Mannisto, director of the production and president of Sudbury Performance Group.
“It’s not just a jukebox musical — it’s a witty, heartfelt tale about breaking free from expectations and finding your own voice, all told through the music of one of pop’s greatest icons.
“What I love most about this show is how it balances pure fun with genuine meaning. It’s whimsical and hilarious, but it also delivers a message of self-discovery and empowerment that resonates across generations. And honestly — it’s just a blast to watch these fairytale characters belt out Britney!”
Cast members are equally excited to bring this empowering twist on classic characters to life.
“I think audiences will be most surprised to see the characters they know and love from a new perspective,” said Abby Pitre, who plays Snow White.
“They're still the same princesses, but with a unique sense of style and a sprinkle of rebellious nature. It adds a fun twist that's very exciting!”
“What surprised me the most was the characters having to act out their stories whenever their story is being read and expected to not have any complaints about the lives they're living,” said Shannon Blaney, who plays Cinderella.
“They don't know that they should expect any better because that's what's normal to them.”
Audiences can expect stunning choreography, vibrant costumes, and plenty of heart in this glittering, feel-good production that promises to leave everyone dancing in their seats.
Don’t miss this glittering holiday spectacular that proves even fairy tales can get stronger, bolder and a little more “toxic.”
Purchase tickets at sudburyperformance.ca.