Beauty and the Beast a tale as old as time
Story ‘speaks to every generation,’ director of GCP production says
A tale as old as time …
According to Donna Belleville, that opening line from the title song from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” musical adaptation of Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot’s novel is a great way to sum up the messages in the story.
“You learn through experience and human relationships,” said the veteran Shaw Festival actor, who is directing Garden City Productions’ take on the Disney Broadway musical.
“I think that’s why it has remained so popular since it was written in 1746. It speaks to every generation.”
The show will run for two consecutive weekends starting Nov. 16 at the Mandeville Theatre at Ridley College in St. Catharines. Tickets are $28 for adults and $23 for students and children. They can be purchased online at gcp.tix.com or by phone at 905682-1353. Belleville said she appreciated Linda Wolverton’s — she wrote the 1991 animated film’s screenplay — take on Belle, a “risktaking heroine who wasn’t waiting for her prince to come,” something she felt provides a good role model for young girls.
“She (Wolverton) felt young girls would be inspired by the new direction,” Belleville said.
Taking on the role of Belle is Adrianna Polito. Her resume includes recent productions at Niagara Falls’ Firehall Theatre, where she was involved with that company’s productions of “Into the Woods” and “She Loves You.” Belle is a role she has wanted to tackle for a long time.
“It’s a dream role,” she said. “I like the fact that she is so strong. She doesn’t conform to society.”
And as much as Belle is a dream role for Polito, Bryn Dewar is looking forward to taking on the role of Gaston, who wants Belle as his beau, though she wants no part of him.
“It’s such a fun character to play,” Dewar said. “I think because he’s so opposite to my personality. It’s fun to step outside and play someone like that sometimes.”
“Beauty and the Beast” will be Belleville’s first directorial effort for Garden City Productions. Prior to her career with Shaw, she did some acting with GCP.
“I did some shows when I was much younger,” she said with a chuckle.