It has been a favourite children’s classic for generations, and now a stage adaptation is coming to the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. is taking to the stage on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4, thanks to a partnership between Dance Collective dance studio and the Advocates of Dance Society.
The musical production is directed and choreographed by studio owner Rebecca Collins and Burnaby performer-choreographer Angela King.
Beauty and the Beast Jr., like the classic Disney film of the same name, tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl played in this incarnation by Burnaby Central Grade 11 student Karis Ducharme. It traces the story of what happens after she’s held captive by the Beast – who is, of course, a young prince trapped by a spell and who must learn to love another and earn love in return. The Beast is played by Grade 12 student Adrien Segur.
With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff – including a motherly teapot, a charming candelabra and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find friendship and love.
Beauty and the Beast Jr. features classic songs from the Academy Award-winning film score, including Be Our Guest and Belle, as well as original songs from the 1994 Broadway musical.
This production includes young performers from various schools around Burnaby and other communities. Several study at Dance Collective, but many have ties with other organizations, such as the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Forte Theatre. They have been rehearsing three to four days a week to present the show.
Beauty and the Beast Jr. is all-ages friendly and runs one hour and 15 minutes, without intermission.
It’s onstage Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Tickets are available through the Shadbolt box office at 604-205-3000 or tickets.shadboltcentre.com.
