Sierra Repertory Theatre aims to delight audiences of all ages with their production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” one of modern musical theatre’s biggest hits. Based on the classic 1991 Disney animated film, this theatrical telling celebrates the Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and is expanded with soaring new melodies.
The independent Belle, trapped in her provincial town, finds her life turned upside down as she takes her father’s place as a captive in an enchanted castle ruled by an angry Beast. With help from the creatures in the castle and her own kindheartedness, Belle finds the prince inside the Beast and works to break the magic that permeates the mysterious castle and all of its inhabitants.
This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters and dazzling production numbers, including: “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, who returns to Sierra Rep after directing and choreographing last season’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
“‘Beauty and the Beast’ has always been a story I've been quite partial to since the first time I saw the film,” says Dunn. “The story will always be one that makes me think of two very large artistic influences and supporters on my life that have since past on. My aunt brought me to see the film, which left me absolutely stunned. Years later, my grandmother took me to see the show on Broadway, which was incidentally the first Broadway show I ever saw. My mind was blown that the show was so close to the film in terms of aesthetic, and I was in awe of how all of the magic was created on stage right in front of me eyes. It was a truly magical moment which I still remember sparking the idea of theatre being something so incredibly special. As a director/choreographer, it is certainly not lost on me that Disney gears their material toward children. I love knowing that this may be someone's first theatrical experience and I feel it is my responsibility as an artist, to make sure that we're giving them the most fruitful theatrical experience that we can. It is amazing how the arts inspire, and if ever I get tired during the rehearsal day, I think about this obligation to new theatre-goers and it makes me work harder.”
Dunn continued, saying that what draws him most to the story is the all of the lessons that are offered.
“It is a story of seeing beyond the physical and looking into someone's heart. It's a story about a thirst for knowledge that is never quenched and how that knowledge can bring people together. It's about a story of speaking from the heart and how love will always conquer all. Most of all, it's a story that makes it okay to be different and how our differences make us special. There's truly something for everyone,” Dunn added.
The production is music directed by Benjamin Van Diepen, who audiences will remember as Jerry Lee Lewis from this year’s “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Sierra Rep welcomes Brooke Quintana in her SRT debut in the lead role of Belle and Daniel Rubio joins the cast as Beast.
Tickets for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” can be purchased online at www.SierraRep.org, or by phone at (209) 532- 3120, e-mail: tickets@sierrarep.org, or by visiting the East Sonora Theatre Box Office (Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11am - 5pm). Performance times are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $32 to $47. Discounts for seniors, children, and students (18 and over with student ID) are available for all performances. Special discounts for groups of 20 or more are also available.
