OA Theater to present ‘Beauty and the Beast’

All-time favorite “Beauty and the Beast”, with Kristy Jackson and Dan Wolfe in the title roles, will take the stage Feb. 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Owego Apalachin (OA) Theater.

Presented by the OA Music Department, directed by Megan Armenio, assisted by Mike Meaney, and choreographed by Katherine Gould, the story tells the tale of a careless and unthinking prince who spurns an old beggar woman who then vengefully puts him and his household under a spell.

He is transformed into a beast, doomed to remain that way forever unless he can learn to love and earn the love of another before the last petal drops from an enchanted rose. His household staff is transformed into household items – Lumiere (Tracy Orend), a candelabra; Cogsworth (Alex Roberts), a clock; Mrs. Potts (Alexis Bidwell), a teapot; her son Chip (Jacob Dove) into a teacup. Then Madame de la Grande Bouche (Megan Shoen) becomes a wardrobe; Babette (Sara Wierbowski) a feather duster; and many other interesting character transformations.

A young village beauty named Belle appears on the scene and the household staff aspires to get the Beast and Belle together to break the spell. They welcome her to the castle with open arms, hoping to influence her. But a popular yet egotistical townsman named Gaston (Erik Tofte) has ideas of his own. Conspiring with Monsieur D’Arque (Alec Winters) he uses a threat against Belle’s father Maurice (Gary King) to try to force her to wed him instead.

But we’re perhaps revealing too much. There is much to discover, including the conclusion. So the cast of 50, in rehearsal since November, is hoping you will “Be Our Guest” at one of the performances.

The cover charge is $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for seniors and students. You may call (607) 687-6230 to arrange for tickets to pick up at Will Call.