The Mansfield University departments of Theatre and Music will present Disney's BEAUTY & THE BEAST opening on Thursday, February 22 and running through Sunday, February 25 in Straughn Hall.
This classic love story is full of memorable songs, endearing humor and delightful characters. The MU production is designed and directed by Michael Crum, with music direction by Sheryl Monkelien and vocal coaching by Youngsuk Kim.
In keeping with the celebration of the Sesquicentennial, this production of Disney's BEAUTY & THE BEAST will be a true collaboration between Mansfield University and the Borough of Mansfield. Mansfield Mayor Tom Wierbowski will make a cameo appearance and students from Miller Elementary School and Mansfield Junior and Senior High Schools will participate.
Over 60 Mansfield University students auditioned for roles in the show. Senior music major Sarah Best won the part of Belle. Bryan Hoover, junior music education major will portray the Beast.
The inhabitants of the enchanted castle include sophomore music education major Stefan June as the dashing love struck candelabra Lumiere, the wise and loveable teapot Mrs. Potts, portrayed by Ruthanna Williams, junior music education major, and the pompous clock played by Anthony D'Agostino, senior music major.
The story begins in a small provincial French village where a beautiful, independent girl named Belle lives with her father, the eccentric inventor. To her dismay, Belle discovers that her father is being held captive by a hideous beast. Belle agrees to trade her freedom to win her father's release from the Beast's clutches. Once inside the enchanted castle, the colorful members of the court decide to play matchmakers. The once cold hearted Beast falls in love with Belle, but the spell that turned this handsome prince into a beast can be broken only if he can earn her love in return. And time is running out. . .
The Disney production of this charming story recently marked its 5,000 performance on Broadway and is currently the sixth longest running musical in Broadway history. The show features music by Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Asher and Tim Rice.
To read a synopsis of the story, click here.
Cast:
Narrator | Steve Dixon |
Enchantress | Sondi Strohecker |
Belle | Sarah Best |
Beast | Bryan Hoover |
Gaston | David Bucknor |
Maurice | Jonathan Yard |
Cogsworth | Anthony D'Agostino |
Mrs. Potts | Ruthanna Jo Williams |
Lumiere | Stefan June |
Chip | Erica Ignatovich |
Babette | Kerri Grewe |
Madame De La Grande Bouche | Megan McFadden |
Lefou | Scott Test |
Monsieur D'Arque | David Wert |
Silly Girls | Kara Edlheiser, Jocelyn Raychel, Amanda Sherry |
Bookseller | Thomas J. Wierbowski |
Wolves | Kurtis Eby, Nathan Fulkerson, Nathaniel Wilston |
Ensemble | Lydia Akey, Lauren Albright, Rachelle Brisson, Mark Burgdorfer, Alissa Coapman, Jessica Crum, Jamie Curtis, Brooke Danner, Sarah Derrick, Krista Eby, Kurtis Eby, Nathan Fulkerson, Rebecca Gibbon, Michelle Giles, Patrick Gillette, Ashley Hardt, Eden Hartwell, Amanda Henne, Krista Hess, Michael Hobbs, Ryan Howe, Emily Kirsch, Jonah Klixbull, Laura LeBlanc, Theo Lentz, Lauren Mirt, Maria Orr, Panagoitis Paslis, Michael Pattillo, Robert Perrin, Alicia Shumway, Randy Stephens, Jessie Strefeler, Mary Tucker, Christina Verbyla, Emily Vermillion, Erica Williams, Nathaniel Wilston |
Orchestra:
Conductor | Sheryl Monkelien |
Violin | Christine Attanasio, Rich Baslar, Stephenie Swart, Pamela Wells |
Woodwinds | Heather Singley, Kristi Kaster, Tim Walck |
Cello | Garet Holdren |
Trumpet | Dan Foster, Alyssa Eddings |
Bass | Gabe Wagaman |
Horn | Chandra Chaffee, Robin Sustak, Keri Maldonado |
Piano/Keyboard | Nolan DeSanto, Edward C. Wooten III |
Trombone/Tuba | Dustin Giffin |
Percussion | Jonathan DeWitt, Jeff Guers |
Accordion | Rich Basler |
Production Staff
Technical Director | Michael Crum |
Production Assistant | Sarah J. Derreck |
Scenic Artist & Backdrops | Brian Rance |
Lighting Design | Kevin Gleason |
Scene Painting | Darryl Abraham |
Sound & Sound Effects | James Bryon |
Costumes | Sheryl Monkelien, Peter Davis, Suzy Achey |
Props | Sarah Hannold, Jennifer Sobas, Adrian McGrady, Lauren Bernard |
Make-up & Hair | Peter Davis, Dawnelle Weaver |
Stage Crew | Burkett W. Fleming, Stephen Lewis, John Madas |
Spotlights | Becky Eick, Kim Hulslander |
Poster Design | Suzy Achey |
Program & Tickets | Sheryl Monkelien |
Publicity | Lauren Bernard, Sheryl Monkelien, Bob Scott |
Tickets (pre-show) | Lauren Bernard, Sarah Derrick |
Box Office | Ashley Davie, Tom Dixon, Ross Whiting, Becky Eick, Kim Hulslander |
Ushers | Members of Sigma Alpha Iota |
Rehearsal Pianists | Nolan DeSanto, Edward C. Wooten III |
Scenic Construction | Michael Crum, Steve Strange, Sarah Derrick, Anthony D'Agostino, Sarah Best, Burkett W. Fleming, David Bucknor, Becky Eick, Kim Hulslander, David Wert, Theo Lentz, Michael Read, Erica Williams, Peter Davis, Ryan Howe, Michael Pattillo, John Madas, Stephen Lewis, Jonathan Yard, Bryan Hoover, Joe Mitchell, Nathan Fulkerson, Robert Perrin, Jonah Klixbull, Randy Stephens, Jessica Shaffer, Ruthanna Jo Williams, Bethany Fetich, Gina Gisolfi, Patrick Gillette |
Theatre Technicians | Becky Eick, Kim Hulslander, Jennifer Swody, Jamie Mitzer |
Costumes by | Central Dauphin High School; Harrisburg PA |
Special Thanks To...
- Mayor Thomas J. Wierbowski and the Borough of Mansfield
- Steve Strange and Buildings, Inc.; Covington, PA
- Brian Rance and Tolland House Studio, Galena, MO
- Peter Davis
- Michael Read
- James Monks and Tioga Publishing
- Blue Ridge Cable
- Pepsi
- Lycoming College Theatre Department
- MU CMENC Chapter
- MU Spirit and Pride of Pennsylvania Marching Band
- Eva Green
- Suzy Achey
- Wellsboro Rental Center
- Bill Koernig and the Buildings and Grounds Crew
- Linda Crum
- Mark Polonia
- Office of the Provost
Beauty & the Beast
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Disney's Beauty & the Beast is produced through special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL New York, NY
Performances:
Thurs, Feb 22nd 2007 @ 8:00pm
Fri, Feb 23rd 2007 @ 8:00pm
Satur, Feb 24th 2007 @ 8:00pm
Sun, Feb 25th 2007 @ 2:00pm
Straughn Auditorium
Tickets:
Adults - $12
Seniors & Children - $10
MU Students with ID - $2
Tickets available online
or at the door
Directed by Professor Mike Crum
Musically Directed by Dr. Sheryl Monkelien
Vocal Coaching by Youngsuk Kim
Designed by Michael Crum
Choreography
Sarah Best, Lauren Mirt, Amanda Sherry |