| Beauty and The Beast | Willoughby Theatre Company |
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There are many great tales about the beauty of a woman and the power she has over the beast in her life. None of them is more beloved than that ‘tale as old as time’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
Now the magic of this wonderful musical with its cast of lovable characters, hilarious antics and infectious songs returns to the Sydney stage in Willoughby Theatre Company’s all-new production.
Disney’s Beauty was the first ever animated musical to win an Oscar (it won two in 1991) and began the modern love affair with children’s movies being adapted for the stage (The Lion King, Mary Poppins and just recently The Little Mermaid).
Disney’s Beauty and The Beast ran on Broadway for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007, has grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide and played in thirteen countries and 115 cities. Now Willoughby Theatre Company, arguably Sydney’s premier community musical theatre society presents this ambitious musical in April this year at the beautiful Glen Street Theatre Belrose. The theatre boasts luxurious seating, elegant foyer, a generous stage, ample parking, raked theatre seating and – a treat for the company after 50 years and more than 100 productions… an orchestra pit of professional dimensions!
After a slew of sell-out hits including Cats & Kiss Me Kate, the WTC production team of director Tom Sweeney, MD Mark Pigot, choreographer Janina Hamerlok and Joy Sweeney have been fortunate to attract some of Sydney’s freshest and brightest talent for the show.
The lead roles feature the magnificent voice of Stig Bell as The Beast, talented and beautiful Josie Ison as Belle, hunky Rob Hale as Gaston, the comic genius of Luke Davis, together with Craig Donnell as Lumiere (recreating his performance in the role at Her Majesty’s Theatre.)
Philip Youngman is the pompous Cogsworth and sexy Morgan Powell plays Babette. The talent doesn’t stop there! Sarah Hobson as dour Scotswoman Mrs Potts, Warren Blood as the bumbling Maurice (Belle’s father), Sara McLean-Jones as the Wagnerian Madam de la Grande Bouche (the wardrobe), Clive Hobson as the dark and brooding villain Monsieur D’Arque. And introducing 10 year old Tobias Hannson as Chip. Together they front an all-dancing all-singing 30-strong chorus and full orchestra.
Another first for Willoughby is the biggest set it has ever built – designed by the genius of Simon Greer and lit by Sean Clarke.
Says director Tom Sweeney, “This is truly a show for everybody, but with just ten performances, it will sell out fast! Come enjoy the magic of one of the world’s favourite stories, live and (high) kicking!”
Willoughby Theatre Company presents
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Venue: Glen Street Theatre Belrose
Dates: 26 April to 3 May
Times: Tue-Sat at 8pm plus Sat matinees 2pm, Sundays 12noon and 5pm
Tickets: (incl booking fee) Adults $40.50* Concession $37.50* Under 16's $31.50*
Bookings: 9975 1455 or www.glenstreet.com.au
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Thursday, 08 January 2009
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