Carnegie Players production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to open June 19

Posted Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

This summer, the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players kick off their 30th year of continuously running live theater by bringing to life Disney’s beloved tale of Beauty and the Beast.

Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the stage version of the favorite includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice.

Director Jay Lewis plans to transport his audiences to the heart of provincial life in a lovely French town. When Maurice, played by Luke Hunt, becomes lost in the woods on the way to the fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle, but the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive.

Starring in the role of the Beast is long-time Carnegie favorite Hillard Cochran. Christine Atwell will reprise her performance as Maurice’s daughter, Belle. The enchanted castle is populated by a host of servants who like their master are slowly turning into inanimate objects. The head of the household, Cogsworth, played by Jay Cornils, is becoming a clock. The castle’s garcon, Lumiere, is played by Cleburne High School graduate Seth Cunningham. Kaitlin McDonald and Lindsey Lehrmann will split the role of Babette, the feather duster maid.

Newcomer Cherie Robinson makes her Carnegie debut as the maternal tea pot – Mrs. Potts, who sings the musical’s marquee song, "Beauty and the Beast." Ashley Bankston, David Midkiff and Lauren Atwell will share the role of Chip – the chipped tea cup. And the opera-singing wardrobe is delightfully played by Debora Midkiff. Of course, all shows have their villains, and Beauty and the Beast is no exception. JaceSon Barrus make his first appearance in a Carnegie production as Gaston. The show opens June 19 and runs weekends through July 5; Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. – with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

For the first time this year, the Carnegie Players will also offer an Independence Day weekend treat with Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:30. Adults $12 and Seniors/Students $8

The Don Smith Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of Cleburne High School, 1501 Harlin Drive. Tickets are now available online at www.carnegieplayers.com. For special group rates call 817-648-9344.

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