Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Comes to The Ritz Theatre

Bruce A. Curless, Producing Artistic Director of The Ritz Theatre Company, is more than just the head-honcho of a company in its 32nd season - for years, Bruce delighted audiences as his stage alter-ego, Ritzy the Wolf. Now, returning to the stage, minus the ears and the tail, Bruce Curless will again lend his talents to a magical family tale on the stage - this time as Belle's zany father Maurice in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Joining him is Anabelle Garcia, a Ritz favorite last seen as Nellie in South Pacific, and Collingswood resident Bryan M. Pitt, who will be taking on the starring roles of Belle and the Beast, respectively.

Plus, Nick Intreri, a budding star from Haddon Heights, performs as the lovable teacup, Chip! Joining them will be a fabulous ensemble of Ritz veteran and local performers including Achilles Inverso (Lumiere), David M. Mooney (Cogsworth), and Tami Gordon Brody (Mrs. Potts). This show will also introduce Ritz audiences to many new performers such as Nicholas French (Gaston), Matt Flocco (Lefou), Jane Erickson (Wardrobe) and many more.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast has become a household name - with its magic, adventure, romance, and swooping score, folks of all ages flock to this classic movie, and showed up in droves for the more recent live-action movie adaption. The Broadway musical, adapted from the 1991 Academy Award winning animated film of the same name, takes that enchanting animated tale and brings it to life in a stunning stage spectacle. Opening on Broadway in 1994, Beauty and the Beast ran for 5,461 performances, making it the tenth-longest running Broadway musical of all time, with subsequent performances in over 115 cities in 13 countries all around the world.

To extend the magic, The Ritz Theatre Company, along with The Kove of Audubon, has planned a special Breakfast with Belle event, taking placing on July 29th at 10:00 am. Join us for a magical morning, featuring special appearances and photo opportunities with Belle and some of her friends, as well as a delicious breakfast, sing-along, story time, and more! Seating is limited, and ticket sales for this event will end on Tuesday, July 25th!

This spectacular musical is being directed by Ritz Associate Artistic Director Craig Hutchings, with choreography by Jessica Quindlen, and vocal direction by Brian Bacon. Highlighting the show will be set and lighting designed by Chris Miller, costumes by Tina Heinz, and special Disney magic effects by Johnny Massanova.

The Ritz Theatre Co.

The Ritz Theatre Company, is celebrating its 32nd year of being Camden County's most active producing Theatre. It offers a full season of Mainstage musicals, comedies, and dramas as well as 8 children shows, youth productions and an active summer camp for youth from grades 1 - 12, and special events.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be performed July 13 - August 6, with the Breakfast with Belle event taking place on July 29th. For information and reservations, call the box office Tuesday through Friday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 856-858-5230 or visit the Ritz website at www.ritztheatreco.org.

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