The Rainbow Youth Theatre presents the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast, at the Sid Williams Theatre from Thursday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Oct. 25.
Directed by Brian Mather and featuring a live orchestra, the play is set in late 18th century France. It follows the adventures of the wilfull, well-read, and misplaced Belle (Sienna Orbell) and her misunderstood genius father Maurice (Patrick McKenna); the conceited nefarious villain Gaston (James Coates) and his funny sidekick Lefou (Robin Hesseling); hard-working villagers, strange gargoyles, and terrifying wolves; a variety of enchanted and enchanting characters - and one monstrous beast (Percy Gedhill).
A shallow prince rejects a disguised enchantress (Hannah Cottingham) because of her haggard appearance, so she transforms him into a beast and his staff members into household objects.
She leaves behind an enchanted rose (created by Willem Roelants), and to break the spell, the beast must learn to love and be loved before its last petal falls. Maurice leaves for the fair with his wood-chopping invention (created by Marianne Harris and Murray McLeod), and Gaston appalls Belle as he “courts” her.
Belle discovers that her father has encountered danger, and finds him held captive in the beast’s castle with “spellbound” objects. What will happen to Belle, her father, the villainous Gaston, the beast, and all of the castle staff and family?
The directors and cast members are passionate when asked the reasons to see this play.
“(Come) to see young people excel at something they enjoy doing,” said musical director Denise Marquette.
Choreographer Candice Woloshyn describes it as a “hilarious” and “great story” with an excellent script and memorable music.
Enjoy the gorgeous set, set pieces, backdrops, costumes, props, and lighting. Come to support local theatre, to enjoy a very energetic show.
Vocal coach Lynn Hodge predicts that “audiences will be singing the songs as they leave. They will be touched by the story; they will not be able to understand how something so spectacular can be put on stage by young people.”
Dates and times for the show are: Oct. 22-24, 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on both Oct 24 and 25. Tickets are $24 adult, $22 senior/students/children. FMI and for tickets: sidwilliamstheatre.com or 250-338-2430.