Disney classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to take stage at Genesius Theatre.
What better way to usher in the holiday season than with the lush fairy tale that is Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast?” This sweeping story of love and redemption opens Dec. 5 and runs through Dec. 16 at Genesius Theatre, located at 10th and Walnut streets in Reading.
Nominated for nine Tony Awards in 1994, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of Belle, the bookish daughter of eccentric inventor Maurice who agrees to trade her life for his when he is captured by a beastly creature in a forbidding castle. Unbeknownst to Belle, the castle’s inhabitants are under a spell that was cast when the Beast was a young, arrogant prince; they can only be made human again if he learns to love and be loved before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.
With gorgeous music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” leads audiences of all ages on a journey which shows the unselfish nature of true love, and teaches children of all ages about the benefits of kindness, courtesy and respect.
The Genesius production is helmed by director Christopher Sperat, who says of this show, “It’s the perfect way to get into the true spirit of the holidays.” Other members of the production team include Genesius artistic producer L J Fecho, music director Kevin Cooper and choreographer Jericho Joy, with set and light design by Spencer Moss Fecho, costume coordination by Cathy Roth Miller, hair/makeup design by Carmen Painter of Tina’s Salon and Day Spa and sound design by Albert Garcia of Eko Entertainment, LLC. The set is constructed by Brandon Kegerize, Jeffrey Jones, Mike Maiers and Betty Gerstner, with scenic BEAUTY » PAGE 2