Jordan Gilbert to Play 'Babette' in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST for Phoenix

Holmdel resident Jordan Gilbert 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.

Jordan is a well-known member of the Holmdel community. She attended William R. Satz Middle school, and is currently a student at Holmdel High School. Jordan has appeared in shows at Marlboro Players and Main Street Theatre Company. She is also a familiar friend to the Phoenix family, having been in six Phoenix shows, including Peter Pan (Wendy), Shrek (Teen Fiona) and her most recent appearance as a Lass in Phoenix's July revival of Tommy last season.

"My favorite show to be in was The Who's Tommy. It was such an incredible experience and I was surrounded by so many diligent and talented people. It pushed me to my limits and it forced to me to work hard and constantly be aware of my surroundings onstage. " Before being cast in Beauty and the Beast, Jordan finished up a run at Holmdel High School as Polly Browne in The Boyfriend. "While she may be young, Jordan is an actress beyond her years ," says Phoenix performer Victoria Keiser. "With her beautiful voice and intense connection to her character, Jordan knows how to capture an audience until the curtain closes."

In Beauty and the Beast, Jordan plays Babette, Disney's fierce and flirty castle feather duster, and the object (both literally and figuratively) of Lumiere's affections. "I think Babette and I both share a certain independence. While she is very independent and fiery, she has a sweeter and flirty side to her. I'm definitely not as bold as she is, so being able to channel her attitude in rehearsals has been so much fun!" Babette and Lumiere's tango in "Be Our Guest" is a feature in the musical that is not featured in the live-action movie released this past month. In regards to this production following the movie starring Emma Watson, Jordan says "I think the new movie reminded everyone how much we love the story, so I hope that makes people more anxious to see our show!"

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, visit www.phoenixredbank.com.

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