May 25, 26, 31, June 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 - 2:00 pm
The Forest Theater travelled back to the 18th century, to a small town in France to experience the enchantment of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” with music by Alan Menken,
lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Wolverton. Craig Schieber (director) and Tom Randall (music director) ably faced the challenge of making the live musical fresh and vibrant without reminding the audience of the original Disney animation. Guy Cairdi's large dance numbers (particularly 'Be Our Guest') filled the stage with movements and color. Margie Kluth's costuming was phenomena, as you can see from the pictures.
Ila Faubion played the lead of Beauty with a mixture of innocence and strength. Anthony Dreessen was a not too ugly Beast, who was transformed from his misanthropy and self hatred by his recognition of the importance of love.
