Gallery 7 Theatre Presents Disney Classic, Beauty and the Beast, Live On Stage!
Submitted. Families across the Fraser Valley are invited to be Gallery 7 Theatre’s guest as they present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, live on stage March 24 – April 1, 2017 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre. Described as “enormously effective, enchanting and solid family entertainment” by Talkin’ Broadway, this epic and much beloved musical sensation will be an experience not to be missed!
Pictured: (left to right) Ron Jackson is The Beast and Lisa Hahn is Belle in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Dianna Lewis Photgraphy.
Belle, a bookish young woman from a provincial town, stumbles in to an enchanted castle and meets the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. Imprisoned in his castle, the Beast must learn to love and be loved if he is to be transformed back to his formal self.
But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and all the inhabitants in his household will be doomed forever. Complete with all the familiar tunes and characters from the classic animated film, this production is sure to delight the young and the young at heart.
“Audiences are in for an exciting theatrical experience featuring cool sets, colourful costumes, beautiful singing and entertaining performances,” says Gallery 7 Theatre’s artistic director, Ken Hildebrandt. “We’re also starting evening performances at 7:00 PM to better suit families, plus audiences will have the opportunity to take pictures with their favourite characters from the show after every performance!”
Directing the show is Cody Friesen, who last directed Around the World in 80 Days for the theatre. “Beauty and the Beast is a play about transformation, love and community,” he says. “My deepest hope is that the audience, too, is transformed by what they see – that they are encouraged to dream a little harder, believe a little more and to recognize that beauty is found within, both in yourself and others.”
Playing the role of Belle is Lisa Hahn while Ron Jackson takes on the role of The Beast. Gaston, the egotistical, wanna-be-suiter to Belle, will be played by D.J. Boschman while his sidekick, Lefou, will be played by Emily Smith. The charismatic Lumiere will be played by Brady Moore while the vivacious Babette will be performed by Abigail Kibarita. Bethany Caldwell takes on the role of Mrs. Potts while Chip will be played by Dawson Vogt. The Wardrobe will be played by Nicole Farion and the snobby Cogsworth will be played by Matt Veenbaas. Peter Shaver takes on the role of Belle’s eccentric father, Maurice, and the Silly Girls will be played by Anastasia MacIntosh, Jessica Spenst and Melissa Harris respectively. Rounding out the cast are Silver Allen, Robyn Bizuk, Marco Darvasi, Quentin Foster, Michael Holman, Rebecca Olson, Emily Senff, Christopher Sherwood, Lauren Trotzuk, Victoria Wilkinson and Keegan Zaporozah.
Supporting Friesen in creating this spectacular production is a host of talented musicians and designers from across the Lower Mainland. Musical direction is by Joel Stephanson, the 7-member orchestra is directed by Dave Rosborough and choreography is by Tessa Trach & Cody Friesen. Set design is by John Bessette and costumes are designed by Michele Moolenbeek, with support from Vicki Bolan. Lighting design is by Calvin Baker, make-up design is by Victoria Hu and hair design is by Danielle Milette. The stage manager is Yvonne Spuls and Dianna Lewis is both the props designer and production photographer.
Beauty and the Beast runs March 24 & 25, 29 – April 1, 2017 at 7:00 PM with additional matinees on March 25 & April 1 at 2:00 PM at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford. Tickets can be purchased in-person or by-phone by visiting House of James, 2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford or by calling 604-852-3701. For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.gallery7theatre.com.
“It’s the story that we all know and love,” concludes Friesen. “From unforgettable characters, songs that you’ll be singing for months, dazzling costumes and a story that is a “Tale as Old as Time” – the power of live theatre is at its best with this show.”