Please “Be Our Guest” with MCT’s latest production, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Broadway’s modern classic opens Friday, July 13 at The Shannondell Performing Arts Theater, 10000 Shannondell Drive, Audubon, PA. Beauty and the Beast is an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
MCT’s Beauty and the Beast features Alicia Culleton as Belle, an optimistic, intelligent girl who dreams of life beyond her small town, and Shohom Basuthakur, as Beast, the transformed prince who has a loving heart beneath his gruff exterior. The enchanted objects of the castle who are waiting to be “Human Again” include Cogsworth, a tightly wound clock who heads the castle household, played by John Keefrider, Lumiere, a suave, debonair candelabra played by Geoff Desiato, Mrs. Potts, a warm- hearted maternal teapot played by Teresa Beaucheane, Chip, Mrs. Potts adorable son, shared by Reese Grove and Scott Harris, Babette a saucy, flirty feather duster played by Christine Furey and Madame de la Grande Bouche, a former opera diva turned into a wardrobe, portrayed by Nicolette Adams. Sebastian Antonio is Gaston, the egotistical villain determined to marry Belle, and Emmet O’Hare plays his bumbling sidekick Lefou.The Silly Girls, giggly girls who are all in love with Gaston are portrayed by Katy Bondi, Mara Felice, Mary Beth Gries and Britanny Recupero. Nicholas Adinolfi is Monsuier D’Arque, the scheming proprietor of the local insane asylum. Maurice, Belle loving and eccentric father is played by Kevin Binder. A large, wonderful ensemble portrays the townspeople, as well as other enchanted objects in the castle.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is under the direction of Katie McCool assisted by Heather McElhiney. Brian Shapella provides the choral direction, Raquel García directs the 26 piece orchestra. The show’s choreographers are Becky Kelley and Lauren McGinnis assisted by Jaedto Israel. Brenda Capwell and Barb Cross are the show’s producers. The set designer and construction lead is John Cross with Emily Hromada as scenic painter/decorator. Mike Addice and Emily Cross provide the lighting design and operation and the sound design is under the direction of Ryan Kadwill. Costumes are designed and made by Sue Carney and Elizabeth Majewski and Kristen Bailey is the show’s the stage manager. Props mistress is Lisa Polsky and the show’s hair/makeup/prosthetics artist is Julie Kruk.
Evening shows are July 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm. Matinees are on July 15 and 22 at 2:00 pm. All shows take place at Shannondell Performing Arts Theater, 10000 Shannondell Drive. Audubon, PA.19403
Tickets for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST are at $18.00 for ages 12-61 and $15.00 for Seniors 62+ and Children under 12. Ticket prices include a 10% Lower Providence Township Entertainment Tax. For tickets and information call (610) 489-6449 or visit theatermct.org. Patrons are encouraged to buy their ticket online, for we are expecting large audiences. Tickets may also be purchased at the door prior to each show.
All patron parking is located in the Giant parking lot across from the Shannondell entrance on Egypt Road. A FREE shuttle is provided to bring patrons to the handicapped accessible theater.
Theater/Organization MCT (Methacton Community Theater)
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.methactoncommunitytheater.org/
Theater/Organization Address: PO Box 26144 Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (610) 489-6449
