The November production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” was one of the most successful in Arts Outreach’s history, recording two sell-outs on the final weekend of performances as well as almost-full houses for the other performances.
The demand for tickets was brisk as the musical drew audiences from not just the Greeneville community but the region.
A cast of more than 100 brought a world full of whimsy and romance to the stage. The performances improved with each outing as the actors told the story of the young prince (the Beast) and his household, who are under an enchantress’ curse until the prince learns to truly love, and how he discovers true love from the beautiful Belle. As with any love story, there are complications such as the village’s hunter and local hero’s pursuit of Belle as a suitor.
Definite crowd pleasers were the musical’s numerous show-stopping tunes such as “Be Our Guest,” choreographed by Kim Berry, which featured a stage full of dancing napkins, plates and silverware, and “The Wolves,” featuring choreography by Ben Sparks and Elizabeth Ruggiero that created an exciting mix of classical ballet with martial arts.
Audiences noticed one difference to the popular Disney film and other stage productions as the show begins not with actors but with puppets created by Greenevillian Judith Flohr ‘94, which allows the introduction of village children and the enchantress.
Director Marilyn duBrisk brought together a cast of many of the most well known acting talent in Greeneville and the region as well as some newcomers in roles such as Emily Lowe as Belle and Dan Burkey as the Beast/Prince. The cast includes actors from the region, such as Morristown and the Tri-Cities, and one cast member from North Carolina is crossing the mountain to be involved. Eighteen different schools are represented among the cast including Tusculum College, Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University and 15 public schools.
Alumni in the cast included Angela Alt Bride ’95 and B.J. Roberts ‘’04, as well as Wess duBrisk, who served many years as a professor of mass media before retiring a few years ago.
Angie Southerland Clendenon ‘69 is serving as musical director and coordinating the show’s orchestral accompaniment.
An army of volunteers have been hard at work preparing creative, colorful costumes under the direction of Barbara Holt and building the fantastical world of Belle and the Beast under the direction of Frank Mengel, stage and technical director. Garry Renfro, who has designed the production’s distinctive marketing pieces, has also shared his artistic talents in creating the village and town sets.