David Fusco To Play Gaston In Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Howell resident David Fusco will be playing a featured role in Phoenix Productions' upcoming April revival of Beauty and the Beast. This show will take place at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank for a two-weekend run beginning April 29th.

David is a well-known member of the Howell community. He is the current STEM Supervisor at Red Bank Regional High School, and holds a degree in Biology from Rutgers University. A familiar friend to the Phoenix family, David has appeared in four Phoenix shows, including The Sound of Music (Captain Von Trapp), Evita (Juan Peron) and his most recent appearance as King Triton in Phoenix's April revival of The Little Mermaid last season. "Each show holds a special place because of the challenges they brought," explains David on the versatility of the roles he's played at Phoenix. "The Sound of Music was important as not only was it my first leading role, but it was also the last leading role I had (high school) before my theater hiatus. Evita was the most challenging show that I've done. I became proud of that work as the entire cast was pushed to dive into more than just the storyline. Finally, The Little Mermaid was a lot of fun, being the classic that it was and I was able to check off "stage flying" from the list." "David is very committed and hardworking," explains fellow cast member Matthew Giove. "His talent, along with his work ethic, are truly amazing to watch, and I'm so lucky to be able to work with him for the second time after The Little Mermaid last year."

In Beauty and the Beast, David plays Gaston, Disney's favorite vain, narcissistic, self-centered, and superficial villain. David recognizes the antagonist's chauvinistic behavior as tactics to "mask his insecurities", a common ground that audience members may find themselves on. "I do believe that we all (in some form or fashion) go to great lengths to mask our insecurities. The most contrasting trait between myself and Gaston is that I was raised to be considerate of others while Gaston considers himself first." David can find a common ground with this Disney villain, however, stating that "the sarcastic wit and banter that I enjoy with close friends includes self-centered undertones, which I am definitely tapping into, especially since it can be over-the-top."

This classic story of everlasting love tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town who doesn't quite fit in, and the Beast, an arrogant young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will cease,and he will be transformed into his former self -- however, if time runs out, his castle and everyone inside will be doomed for all eternity. This "tale as old as time" offers a great opportunity to bring your entire community together for family theatre at its best!

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature and nominated for nine Tony Awards, Disney's Beauty and the Beast includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman ("Be Our Guest", "Beauty and the Beast") , along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice ("Home", "If I Can't Love Her", and "A Change in Me" being just a few).

Phoenix's revival of the Disney musical premieres shortly following the success of the movie, bringing the story to life on the Count Basie stage, with sets, costumes, and a live orchestra. Performances of Beauty and the Beast will begin the final weekend of April with a Saturday, April 29th evening show at 7pm and Sunday matinee at 3pm. The second weekend will have performances Friday, May 5th at 8pm, a two-show day Saturday May 6th with a 2pm matinee and 7pm evening show, with its run concluding on Sunday May 7th with a 3pm matinee. Tickets are available at the Count Basie Theatre Box Office and can be purchased in person at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J, by phone at 732-842-9000, or online at www.countbasietheatre.org .

Phoenix Productions is a non-profit community theatre organization that has produced more than a hundred full-scale revivals of Broadway musicals since 1988. For more information on Phoenix Productions or upcoming shows, please visit www.phoenixredbank.com).

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