Searching for belles and beasts
Belles and beasts are needed to audition for an upcoming stage show.
Hawera Repertory will stage the 1991 Disney adaption of the classic tale Beauty and the Beast in 2017.
Auditions are about to begin for the 30-strong cast members needed and director Sam Turner said she hoped to see crowds of people trying out for parts.
She said those not confident to step out onto the stage in one of 12 lead roles would be able to perform as part of the active ensemble.
‘‘It’s the musical based on the movie,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s an enchanting musical full of magic, traditional story, everybody knows Disney and it has a mainly adult cast.’’
Turner said some ensemble members would double up with other roles within the performance.
The musical will tell the story of Belle, an attractive and smart young woman who feels out-ofplace in the provincial French village she calls home.
Her father is imprisoned and Belle attempts to rescue him, leading her to meet the Beast.
The Beast must fall in love and be loved if he is to transform back in to a man and his time is limited.
The musical follows their journey.
Musical director Shaun Campbell said he was hoping to see males of all ages auditioning for lead roles.
‘‘I think it’s a show that will appeal to our audiences here in Hawera, of all ages,’’ he said.
‘‘We want as many people to experience theatre as possible.’’
Weta Workshop-designed costumes will be used and Turner said the show would use a lot of the theatre’s new and improved capabilities.
‘‘They’ll have to have a reasonable singing and movement ability as well. With it being a musical if people can sing then it’s always a help,’’ he said.
‘‘I think that’s the fun part too. We are going to have some people who haven’t been on stage before and we’ll be developing them.’’
Kirsty Bourke will choreograph the movement.
‘‘It’s just such a great show,’’ Turner said.
Auditions for lead roles will be Sunday, November 27 and the ensemble on Sunday, December 4. Turner said anyone wanting to audition would need to book in via email to batb2017@hawerarep.org.