The Center for the Arts kicks off its 25th season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an enchanting tale of how the bookish Belle finds the adventure and love she’s seeking when her father loses his way in the woods and comes upon a Beast in a mysterious castle.
The production opens on Friday, Jan. 10, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 26.
“This musical has so many memories for so many people,” says director Mark David Williams. “I continue to find funny and meaningful moments in this show and have learned to love it even more as we’ve gone through the rehearsal process. It’s a top-notch, extremely talented cast and I promise a great night or afternoon of live theater. We are excited to share this treasured story with all ages.”
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman yearning for more in her small French town. After her father is imprisoned by the mysterious Beast, she travels to save him and offers to become the prisoner in his place. As Belle explores the castle, she learns of the secrets hidden within the walls and makes many enchanting friends. If the Beast can get Belle to fall in love with him, then she can undo the spell that turned him from prince to monster.
This classical musical love story is a magical tale that comes to life with unforgettable characters, astonishing sets and costumes and a stunning score including “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” “Human Again” and the Tony-winning title song “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Disney animated feature film on which the musical is based premiered in 1991 and won the Academy Award for Best Song and Best Original Score, making history for being the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture. The Broadway production opened in 1994 and ran for 13 years. The Broadway production expanded upon the animated version with seven new songs.
The production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Center for the Arts is directed by Mark David Williams and choreographed by Brittany Griffin.
Tickets start at $14 and are on sale at boroarts.org, by calling 615-904-ARTS) or at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 W. College St., in downtown Murfreesboro. Rated G.
Showtimes for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25; and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26.
In addition to the musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the Center for the Arts is offering Mrs. Potts’ Magical Tea Party with Belle and Friends before all of the 2 p.m. matinee performances. Children will be able to spend time with Belle and her enchanted friends for a magical meet-and-greet that includes tea, cookies, story time, photo opportunities with backdrop and signed autographs, beginning at 1 p.m. each day. Each child will also receive a souvenir. Tickets to this event are $20 after the purchase of a child ticket to the performance.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast cast list:
Beast – Keith Wortham
Belle – RileyGrace Abbott
Lumiere – Mitch Belusko
Cogsworth – Tony Seal
Mrs. Potts – Bethany True
Babette – Sophie Young
Madame de la Grande Buche – Shonna Lund
Chip – Sloane Roeder
Maurice – John Ortiz
Gaston – Drew Harris
LeFou – Nick Mullins
Monsieur D’Arque – Stephen Turner
Silly Girl #1 – Lauren Thayer
Silly Girl #2 – Jessica Singer
Silly Girl #3 – Dana Mills
Enchantress – Stephanie Whiting
Ensemble – Macy Rose, Rachel Harlan, Shiloh Bakalyar, Debbie Gainer, Ashlyn Solomon, Paige Lovell, Britton Clark, Dakota Green, Tucker Young, Pearson Hazen, Hampton Phillips, Claire Lee, Teela Keeley, Pam Buck
