Storybook Musical Theatre Stages BEAUTY & THE BEAST This Month

Storybook Musical Theatre, the Abington, PA-based professional Equity children's theatre company, concluding its 24th season with the musical adaptation of the classic love story Beauty and the Beast.

The family musical plays at the Gratz College Theater, 7605 Old York Rd, Melrose Park, PA. from tonight, July 13 to July 23. Tickets are $12 for children and $14 for adults. For reservations or more information call: 215-659-8550 or www.storybookmusical.org.

This original musical adaptation of the Madame deBeaumont story has been adapted for the stage by Storybook's Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg, with original music by composer, Kevin Arruda. The heartwarming story tells of a young lady who sacrifices her own happiness and freedom to save her father's life. In doing so she, and everyone around her, learns the true meaning of love and that a person's character often outweighs his external looks.

It begins when an arrogant prince is transformed into a beast as punishment for only associating with rich and beautiful people. He will be destined to live as a beast unless he can learn to love someone for themselves and find someone who can do the same.

Maggie Griffin-Smith, of Glenside, plays the selfless and caring Beauty. She was last seen in the title roles of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. Carl Nathaniel Smith, of Center-City Philadelphia, plays the tormented Beast. He appeared last season in Storybook's Frog Prince and Cinderella. Playing the fatherly role is Storybook veteran David Mulholland of Bristol, PA. Mulholland who was just seen as the Ogre in Jack & the Beanstalk. Mike Dorsey, of South Philadelphia, is making his Storybook debut in the role on Beauty's suitor, Jacque. Emily Cheney, of Medford Lakes, N.J., another Storybook veteran, plays one of Beauty's selfish sisters, Fifi. She was last seen on our stage in Cinderella. Aileen Goldberg, of Upper Darby, as Beauty's other materialistic sister, Mimi. Aileen was seen as Dorothy in Storybook's The Wizard of Oz.

Show times are weekdays at 10:30 am and Saturdays at 11:00 am. Call for available times. Children's tickets are $12.00; Adults are $14.00 with generous camp/group discounts available.

All Storybook productions are appropriate for children age three and older. After each performance children will have an opportunity to meet the actors for handshakes, pictures, or an autograph.

For information, reservations, or directions call the box office at 215-659-8550 or check the Storybook Musical Theatre website at www.storybookmusical.org.