‘Sleeping Beauty’ and Illusions

If past productions provide any clue, Illusions Theatre’s “Sleeping Beauty” is sure to delight both children and parents who head to Ojai’s Libbey Park this weekend.

Mastering the art of staging entertaining theatrics on a shoestring budget, the children’s theater group--lead by founder Elizabeth Ridenour--has earned kudos for its imaginative productions of “Cinderella,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Indian folklore works and more.

Though the July 12 performance was canceled because of rain, the ensemble cast will hit the Festival Bowl stage at 7 p.m. Saturday. “Sleeping Beauty” will continue 5 p.m. Sunday and with performances scheduled for July 25 and 26. (The original schedule included 5 p.m. Saturday performances throughout the run. However, only July 25 will include a 5 p.m. show.)

Future Illusions Theatre productions include “Walk in My Moccasins” in September and its annual Christmas production.

Libbey Park is at Ojai Avenue and Signal Street. Tickets are $6.50, $4 senior citizens and children under 12. Group rates are available. For more information, call 646-3533 or 646-6387.

Paired Opening Belated but Grand

The transient Insomniac Coffeehouse finally hunkered down in the Mayfair Theatre quarters several weeks ago and now the two fledgling Ventura businesses will celebrate Friday with a belated--and eclectic--grand opening.

While the Coffeehouse attracts night owl patrons with a cup of java and a blend of live music, theater and poetry, the Mayfair offers its guests art and foreign films. Friday’s bash will provide an amalgamation.

Teatro Inlakech will commence activities at 5:30 p.m., presenting a trilogy of Chicano literary works. Immediately following, the celluloid will roll with the acclaimed Australian black comedy “Proof.” At 9:30 p.m. two groups--Groove Psychosis and Jones-n-Five--will perform their brand of original music.

Admission can be paid separately for each event or combined. The play and movie is $8, music only $4 and the whole evening will set you back $10.

The Insomniac Coffeehouse/Mayfair Theatre is at 793 E. Santa Clara St. For more information, call 648-5019.