RDC offers theatrical treasure with Beauty and the Beast
One of Disney's most beloved tales is coming to life shortly on the Red Deer College Art Centre's mainstage.
Already virtually sold out, Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 3-5 with curtain at 7:30 p.m. Matinees run Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.
“It certainly ranks among our most ambitious shows,” explains director Darold Roles.
The first animated film ever to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, Beauty and the Beast follows the story of Belle who goes on a journey to discover herself. She's dissatisfied with life in a small French town and is trying to fend off the affections of the conceited Gaston.
Meanwhile, Prince Adam was cursed to live life as a beast by an enchantress who saw no love in his heart. To break the spell, the beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return before the last petal from his enchanted rose fell, which would bloom until his 21st birthday.
But who could love a beast?
As the tale unfolds, Belle's father, Maurice, becomes lost in the woods and seeks shelter in the beast's castle, but he's imprisoned for trespassing. Bravely, Belle finds him and offers her place in his stead.
The beast accepts this, but promises she'll remain in the castle forever.
Initially, she views him as nothing but a monster. He sees her as difficult and stubborn. But as time passes, they find that love conquers all indeed. Belle ultimately learns one shouldn't judge a person by their looks – it's what's inside that counts.
“It's about love and the power of love to transform,” says Roles. “At the heart of the play is this beautiful story with really nice characterizations that are multi-dimensional.”
He opted for a set rich in magical, enchanted sensibilities.
“I think (set designer) Carrie Hamilton has done an awesome job of bringing that to life with very, very lush designs,” he explains. But there are challenges in putting together such a well-known, beloved production.
“The audience has such high expectations. So you have to find that balance of how do you put your artistic stamp on it and keep the audience satisfied.”
This visual extravaganza also includes sets that literally pop up, transform and revolve into forests, villages and an enchanted castle. Dramatic lighting complete with Broadway style choreography feature some of the fastest beer stein moves audiences ever will see, he says.
All the favourite Beauty and the Beast tunes are of course included from the title track, Gaston and Human Again to the snappy delight of Be Our Guest.
“It's one of those stories that is timeless,” says Roles. “It also has that great mix of comedy and drama.”
For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 403-340-4455 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca.
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