The Disney favorite, Beauty and the Beast will be presented at Bridgewater State University’s Family Performing Arts Center (FPAC) beginning July 8.
The play is a great fit for the new center, said Artistic Director Colleen Rua, who also stars as Belle.
“Beauty and the Beast, a ‘tale as old as time,’ embraces themes that make FPAC a unique and valuable cultural asset to children and their families,” she said. “This production reminds us all, regardless of age, of the importance of acceptance and having a passion for learning, as well as the benefits of daring to be different and finding inner beauty.”
The musical, which is directed by BSU Professor Jim Quinn, is based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature. The stage version includes songs written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice.
The story involves Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out – if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
In addition to Ms. Rua as Belle, the cast features Michael Bradley (Beast), Jack Cappadona (Gaston), Katia Greene, '11, (Mrs. Potts) and Adam Joy (Lumiere).
Beauty and the Beast performs Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 9 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m.; as well as Friday, July 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m.
This event is made possible through funding from Bridgewater State University’s Arts for Youth program.
For more information, email the box office at BoxOffice@bridgew.edu or call 508-531-1321. (Story by Matt Greene and John Winters, G '11)
