Storybook Musical Theatre, the Abington-based, professional children’s theater company, will continue its 24th season with the classic love story of Beauty and the Beast. The show will first be performed at St. Joseph’s University from May 3 to May 7, then at the Gratz College Theater from May 21 to May 27. Tickets are $12 for children, $14 for adults with school and group discounts available. For reservations and further information: 215-659-8550 or www.storybookmusical.org
This original musical adaptation of the Madame deBeaumont story has been adapted for the stage by Storybook’s Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg, with original music by composer, Kevin Arruda. This heartwarming story tells the tale of a young lady who sacrifices her own happiness and freedom to save her father’s life. In doing so she, and everyone around her, learns the true meaning of love and that a person’s character often outweights heir external looks.
The story begins when an arrogent prince is transformed into a beast as punishment for only associating with rich and beautiful people. He will be destined to live as a beast unless he can learn to lobve someone for themselves and find someone who can do the same.
Maggie Griffin-Smith, of Glenside, plays the selfless and caring Beauty. She is returning to our stage after a brief absence. She was last seen in the title roles of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. Regional credits: Our Town, Heathers, Bonnie & Clyde, Beehive and Into the Woods at Eagle Theatre, My Fair Lady and Jekyll and Hyde at Broadway Theatre of Pitman. Fiddler on the Roof at CentreStage.
Carl Nathaniel Smith, of Center-City Philadelphia, plays the tormented Beast. He appeared last season in Storybook’s Frog Prince and Cinderella. A native of Texas, he has been working for the last seven years with such theaters as Arden, Bristol Riverside, Hedgerow, Media, People’s Light and Family Stages. He participated in a Anti-Bully Festival with Big Splash Productions and is also currently in Forever Plaid at Montgomery Theater.
Playing the fatherly role is Storybook veteran David Mulholland of Bristol, PA. Mulholland was just seen as the Ogre in Jack & the Beanstalk.. Other Storybook credits include: Pinocchio, The Frog Prince, Little Red Riding Hood, Robin Hood, Aladdin, The Emperor’s New Clothes and many more. Regional credits: Proof at Act Out Theater, Big River at Mt. Gretna Playhouse, Our Town at Delaware Theater Company and The Snow Queen at the Prince Music Theater.
Mike Dorsey, of South Philadelphia, is making his Storybook debut in the role on Beauty’s suitor, Jacque. Regional credits include: Forever Plaid at Montgomery Theatre, The Graduate at Eagle Theatre, A Christmas Carol. Dairy of a Worm…, and Vincent in Brixton at the Walnut St. Theatre, Secret Garden for 11th Hour Theatre Co., Avenue Q for Mazeppa Productions, Burt and Me at Delaware Theatre Co and How to Succeed…at Broadway Theatre of Pitman.
Emily Cheney, of Medford Lakes, N.J., another Storybook veteran, plays one of Beauty’s selfish sisters, Fifi. She was last seen on our stage in Cinderella. Other Storybook credits: Princess & the Pea, Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel Adventures in Toyland and Sleeping Beauty. Regional credits: Love’s Labour’s Lost for Tudor Productions, He & She and Berkeley Square for East Lynne Theatre, Twelfth Night and Much to do About Nothing for Delaware Shakespeare, Christmas Carol for Walnut St. Theatre.
Rounding out the cast is Aileen Goldberg, of Upper Darby, as Beauty’s other materialistic sister, Mimi. Aileen was just seen as Dorothy in Storybook’s The Wizard of Oz. Other Storybook credits: The Frog Prince, Adventures in Toyland, Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin. Regional credits: The Divorcee’s Club at Penn’s Landing Playhouse, How to Succeed…at Olney Theater Center, 42nd Street at Broadway Theatre of Pitman, Sweeney Todd at City Theatre Co., Broadway Baby at Bristol Riverside Theatre and The Pirate at the Prince Music Theatre.
The Bluett Theater, of St. Joseph’s University, is located at 56th & Overbrook Avenue in Philadelphia. The Gratz College Theater is located at Melrose Avenue and Old York Road in Melrose Park, PA.
The director of Pinocchio is Patricia Goldberg. Musical Director is Nancy Wiker, with costumes by Kim Hanley, sets by Pat Goldberg and lighting by Marc S. Goldberg.
Show times are 10:15 am weekdays, 11:00 am Saturdays and 2:00 pm Sunday, May 22nd.
Storybook productions are appropriate for children age three and older. After each performance children have the opportunity to meet the actors for a handshake, picture or autograph.
For information, reservations or directions call: 215-659-8550 or www.storybookmusical.org.
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PHOTO CUTLINE: Beauty, played by Maggie Griffin-Smith, is shown a magic mirror by the Beast, played by Carl Smith.
Photo by Mike Levin
EDITORS: If interested in interviews with actors, please contact Marc S. Goldberg, Executive Director at 215-659-8550.
Theater/Organization Storybook Musical Theatre
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.storybookmusical.org
Theater/Organization Address: 56th & Overbrook Av, 7605 Old York Rd. Phila. & Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19131 19027 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 659-8550
