You can read a terrific in-depth feature about the musical Beauty and the Beast right here. It was written by my pal Dave Lavender for the Herald-Dispatch.
Here's an excerpt:
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Cue the lightning bugs and the orchestra because HART in the Park and The Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District are ready for a second magical weekend of their summer theater run of "Beauty and The Beast" between the Ritter Park Amphitheater pines.
Armed with an all-star cast, special effects and a castle fit for any Belle and her beastly prince, "Beauty and the Beast" is set for a three-night regular run complete with the 90-minute-long show that stars Megan Creasy as Belle and Levi Kelley as The Beast as well as Bethany Himes as Madame De La Grande Bouche, Tamara Meadows as Mrs. Potts, Michael Board as Cogsworth, Rileigh Smirl as Babette, Christian Garnes as Chip, Owen Reynolds as Lumiere, Eric Wilson as Gaston and Cyndi Wilson, Laura Melvin and Ashley Plybon as The Silly Girls.
Huntington Outdoor Theater's 2005 production was the top grossing show of HOT's 20-year-run, the Marshall Artists Series filled the Keith-Albee for a Broadway tour that came to town two years ago, and last year's Paramount Players' production of the Disney classic was also its highest grossing show ever in the building, according to PAC director Norma Meek.
Add to the fact that HART in the Park's production comes on the heel of a resurgence of interest thanks to a February-released live action film, and you see why the show's producers have high hopes for record crowds to help establish the summer theater company.
Based on the classic 1991 Disney film, "Beauty and the Beast" tells the enchanting tale as old as time full of adventure, magic and timeless romance featuring all the songs you love, such as "Be Our Guest," "Belle," "Beauty and the Beast" and more.
"I hear a lot of people ask is this a kids show or an adult story, and well it is both," Smirl said. "The kids are drawn to the characters, and especially to Belle, but the story you are telling is an adult story about how you should look for inner beauty and how outward beauty is fleeting. It is also telling you about forgiveness, and kids don't need that lesson as much as adults. Throw a love story in there too, and that is the kind of show that appeals to all levels."
"I hear a lot of people ask is this a kids show or an adult story, and well it is both," Smirl said. "The kids are drawn to the characters, and especially to Belle, but the story you are telling is an adult story about how you should look for inner beauty and how outward beauty is fleeting. It is also telling you about forgiveness, and kids don't need that lesson as much as adults. Throw a love story in there too, and that is the kind of show that appeals to all levels."
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Disney's Beauty and the Beast - HART presents the musical on June 24, 25, 30, July 1 and 2 at 8:30 p.m. Gates open for picnicking at 7p.m. Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m. Beauty and the Beast begins at 8:30 p.m. There will also be a special performance of Beauty and the Beast only on June 29 at 7 p.m. It will be presented at the Ritter Park Amphitheater in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and senior citizens. Group rates are available.
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