CenterPoint brings magic to stage with ‘Beauty and Beast’
Taylor Davies as the Beast in CenterPoint Theatre's production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show opens Feb. 29 in Centerville.
Christine Smith as Belle and Craig Williams as Lumiere in CenterPoint Theatre's production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show opens Feb. 29 in Centerville.
CENTERVILLE – Audiences will get to watch some magic on stage as CenterPoint Legacy Theatre presents Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” opening on Feb. 29 at 525 N. 400 West.
The show is a big one at the theater and will delight audiences with detailed costumes and sets. Director Maurie Tarbox said the show is the biggest she has ever directed and is very excited for the show to open for people to see the “magic” she has witnessed during rehearsals.
“The talent is, of course, amazing, but there are some other elements that people will love,” Tarbox said.
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“Beauty and the Beast” is technically impressive with 18 scene changes just in the first act. The sets and costuming are very detailed and intricate, Tarbox said.
The show is about a heroine who finds herself involuntarily the house guest of a terrible beast living in an enchanted castle.
“Each object has a little twist on the design. Scott VanDyke has created these objects and they are really something,” Tarbox said. “You can just see artistry in everything about the show,” she added, explaining the sets and the way they are painted look real.
PREVIEW
• WHAT: “Beauty and the Beast”
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Feb. 29-March 26; also 2:30 p.m. Saturdays
• WHERE: CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, 525 N. 400 West, Centerville
• ADMISSION: $17-$22; www.cptutah.org or box office
One of the things Tarbox loves about the musical is how each character changes — some for the better and some for the worse. She has really focused on how to create that change with the characters so people can feel it and see it.
Usually, audiences have to be age 5 and older to attend, but this musical is for those ages 3 and older. CenterPoint decided to lower the age so little ones enchanted by the show can enjoy it. The show is also a little bit shorter so younger audiences can get home a bit earlier.
While many in the younger crowd will love and adore the show, Tarbox is sure adults will also enjoy the magic created by the actors and the way the show is presented.
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Photo supplied/Addison Welch
Amber Jones as Belle in CenterPoint Theatre’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show opens Feb. 29 in Centerville.
As part of the show, CenterPoint is also offering tea parties before the Saturday matinees starting at 1:30 p.m. Mickey Larson, director of marketing, said people should check the website for times because they may be adding more dates and times for the tea parties because of the interest.
“They may be a large waiting list and extra events may be added,” Larson said.
Characters will stay in costume after the show so audiences can pose with the stars as well.
Another enchanting part of ”Beauty and the Beast” is the rose, Tarbox said. Anyone who is familiar with the show knows there is a dying rose throughout the story to show the Beast’s life and how much time he has to change into a loving person. A rose has been designed where the petals fall of and then it comes back to life. “I think it’s the only show with a rose like this and it is amazing,” Tarbox said.
“It seems like everyone has had the Disney magic mindset from the beginning,” Tarbox said. “We have been able to bring to the table our own ideas and it has been absolutely delightful,” she said.
Tickets for the musical, which is double cast, range from $17 to $22 and can be purchased at www.cptutah.org or at the box office.