Disney's <em>Beauty and the Beast</em> opens Thursday, Oct. 27 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 6
Lacey Klotz |
Lipscomb University presents the Walt Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast, beginning Thursday, Oct. 27 and ending Sunday, Nov. 6, in Collins Alumni Auditorium. Show times are: Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. as well as Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
With unique features including animation and choreography led by former Disney employees, as well as narration by Chuck Wagner, a Nashville-native who played the Beast on Broadway—this production is certain to bring the Disney spirit to Lipscomb’s campus and leave audience members of all ages entranced with the magic of this classic love story.
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Be our guest for the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out; if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a musical that is not only entrancing for all ages, but is an exciting challenge for our department to stage,” said Beki Baker, chair of Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre, which is housed in the College of Entertainment & the Arts. “The musical will feature a cast of more than 30 people, including children, and Leigh Anne Ervin, a dance instructor formerly employed by Disney, will choreograph the dance numbers.”
Tom Bancroft, animator-in-residence for Lipscomb’s CEA as well as a former Disney animator, has been working with his students to create unique animation including the rose wilting and the wolves attacking Belle and the Beast in the forest.
“It's really wonderful to collaborate within the CEA,” said Baker. “It’s a unifying experience that not only helps the production but also offers real-time experience for student animators.”
Wagner, an American actor who, beginning in 1994, had a four-year stint playing the Beast in both Broadway and Toronto productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, lends his voice as the narrator in a pre-recorded voice over that plays at the beginning of each show.
Directed by Mike Fernandez, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Entertainment & the Arts, the show features an all-student cast, and David Weinstein, a musician and composer who founded the avant-garde music institution, Roulette Intermedium, as the music director.
Lipscomb Theatre’s 2016-17 theater season continues with:
- Peter and the Starcatcher – Feb. 17-19 and 24-26 in Shamblin Theatre
- Elevate – March 8-10 in Shamblin Theatre
- Richard II in conjunction with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival – April 13-16 and 20-23 in Shamblin Theatre
To learn more about Lipscomb Theatre visit: theatre.lipscomb.edu.