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Gualala Arts
Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961.
Archive of past events: 2004 through 2014
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"Beauty and the Beast," one of the most dazzling Broadway musical productions in the history of theater, comes to the coast. Art Center Theater has put together a wonderful cast and crew, who are readying their own special version of "A tale as old as time." Belle (Caitlin McMurtry) is a young woman in a small, provincial town, who is wooed by the tall, handsome but brutish and stupid Gaston (Tim Johnson). Part of Gaston's plot to coerce Belle to wed involves victimizing her eccentric father, Maurice (Phil Graff). He enlists the aid of the sinister Monsieur D'Arque (Tony Ariola). Gaston is idolized by his henchman, the hapless Lefou (Willie Brown), as well as three Silly Village Girls; Lily (Olivia Harrison), Rose (Savannah Power) and Violette (Marlee Little). As the plot thickens, Belle is thrown into the clutches of a handsome prince who has been transformed into a horrific Beast (Phil Atkins) because of a heartless act. The spell placed upon him can only be broken if he learns to love and is loved in return. The Beast's castle is inhabited by a group of servants who have fallen victim to the spell by taking on characteristics of household items. They include Lumiere (David Skibbins), Cogsworth (Jeff Pratt), Babette (Marla Skibbins), Mrs. Potts (Sita Milchev), her grandson Chip (Henry Power) and Madame de le Grande Bouche (Laurie Kreger). Who will win the hand of Belle? Will the castle ever be "Human Again?" These burning questions are answered through Alan Menkin's and Tim Rice's award-winning music and Linda Woolverton's book, based on the 1991 Disney film. The cast is the largest ever assembled at Art Center Theater, including an ensemble chorus of fourteen adults and children who sing and dance as various Villagers and Enchanted Objects. In addition to the fifteen lead characters, look for Remi Alexander, Davina and Elise Allen, Camila Biaggi, Joe Doughty, Haidi Hatfield, Jim Riley, Suzanne Kritz, Shawn McPhee, Bob Pounds, Sherry Pringle, and Jane Simmonds on stage - along with the dulcet tones of Bryan Morse as the narrator. To mount a show the size and scope of "Beauty and the Beast" requires a multitude of behind the scenes volunteers including: the director (Lynne Atkins), the musical director (Don Krieger), choral directors (Phil Atkins, Sue Bohlin and Sita Milchev) voice coach (Gloria Wood), choreographer and set designer (Kathye Hitt), assistant director (Linda Warnock), as well as the set construction, back stage, lighting, sound, costumes and props crews. Most of the people responsible for the creation of an Art Center Theater production are never seen by the audience. These wonderful volunteers freely give of their time and talent. Their work, coupled with that of the cast, creates magic that only a community theater can know. The 2007 Art Center Theater Winter Production promises to carry on the tradition of previous Winter Shows, such as "Scrooge - the Musical," "Annie" and "The Secret Garden" - a tradition of quality theater that is produced by locals as a gift to the community. There will be a gathering of the cast, crew and audience in the foyer at the end of each show - with cookies and hot cider / mulled wine. Mark your holiday calendar, now, for December 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 & 16. You don't want to miss the fun! Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of performance for adults; youth 12 and under $10 advance and $15 day of performance. Tickets will go fast, don't be left out. Call (707) 884-1138, Visa and MC accepted. Beauty and the BeastDecember, 2007
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