Arts center moves audition call for Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’

EL DORADO — Auditions for the South Arkansas Arts Center’s 2017 summer musical, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” have been moved to April 7 and 8. Anyone interested in auditioning may take part in early registration from 6 until 8 p.m. on April 6 at the arts center, 110 E. Fifth St., El Dorado.

Those trying out for the musical may audition at 6 p.m. on April 7 or at 10 a.m. on April 8. Persons who have not pre-registered are asked to arrive early. “Be prepared to sing from any Broadway show for your audition. If you are unable to attend auditions on the scheduled days, you may submit a video audition,” explained Susan Harper at the arts center.

“Originally, the audition dates were set for May, but this show will require more time than usual for costuming and behind the stage work than any other production that SAAC has taken on in the past,” she said.

SAAC stage veteran Monroe Moore will be returning to El Dorado to direct the musical, having recently wrapped “The Addams Family” to rave reviews. El Dorado’s own Chris McCroskey will return to his hometown to serve as musical director.

Both have worked on this show in the past and said they are excited about bringing this Disney classic to El Dorado’s SAAC stage.

“Come be a part of something you will never forget – a beautiful show with the important lesson of how love conquers all. Belle and the Beast teach us how seeing past a person’s exterior into their heart can give you the surprise of your life,” McCroskey said.

“Our production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be a spectacle of a show, the likes of which has never been produced here at SAAC,” Moore said. “We are seeking a large cast of all ages, heights, physical types and performance levels. Beginners are strongly encouraged to audition. There will be 50 to 60 parts available for this incredible show. We really want this to be a ‘community show.’ Even if you’ve never been in a production before, come on out and we will teach you what you need to know. There are character roles for four women, seven men and one boy or girl, a large ensemble cast of 24-30 adults and teens, as well as a kids’ ensemble for 12-20 kids, ages seven to 12.”

Moore continued, “This ‘tale as old as time’ is filled with spectacular costumes and sets and the SAAC needs help from anyone who has experience in costuming, set design and building, as well as special skills in acrobatics, juggling, stage combat, make-up, hair and wigs and roller skating. Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ offers a great opportunity to bring the entire community together for family theatre at its best.”

A classic Disney fairytale, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of a wandering enchantress who transforms a cruel and vain prince into a hideous beast, leaving him only one way to reverse the curse – fall in love with another and earn her love in return. Belle, a beautiful book-lover, encounters the beast when she arrives at his castle to plead for her father’s freedom, ultimately trading her own for his. As tension over her imprisonment rises in the town, spurred by Gaston, the selfish lover who seeks Belle’s hand in marriage, the relationship between Belle and the beast grows, leading to an emotional and transformative conflict.

For more information, call the SAAC office or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org.