Drury Lane Announces BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Casting

Drury Lane Theatre announces the cast for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton, direction by Alan Souza and choreography by Ron De Jesus. Disney's Beauty and the Beast was originally directed by Robert Jess Ross and originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs November 9, 2018 - January 27, 2019, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is scheduled for Thursday, November 15 at 8:00 p.m.

The cast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast includes Brandon Contreras (Beast), Erica Stephan (Belle), Mark Banik (Gaston), Sophie Ackerman (Chip), Graham Carlson (Chip, at certain performances), Tony Carter (Lumiere), Nick Cosgrove (Cogsworth), Mark David Kaplan (Maurice), Catherine Smitko (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Bri Sudia (Mrs. Potts), Allison Sill (Babette), and Paul Michael Thomson (Lefou). The ensemble includes Jeremiah Alsop, Anthony Avino, Greg Blackmon, Isaiah Silvia-Chandley, Liz Conway, Shantel Cribbs, Timothy P. Foszcz, Samuel Gardner, Maya Kitayama, Ivory Leonard IV, Omar Madden, Courtney Martin, Conner Wayne Milam, Zach Porter, Emma Rosenthal, Billy Rude, Monica Thomas, and Shanna VanDerwerker.

The creative team includes Kevin Depinet (Scenic Design), Ryan Park (Costume Design), Ryan O'Gara (Lighting Design), Ray Nardelli (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Claire Moores (Wig & Hair Design), and Amber Wuttke (Makeup Design).

Based on the beloved Academy Award-winning Disney film, this nine-time Tony nominated musical continues to win the hearts of people all over the globe. Trapped in her provincial town life, an intelligent, young beauty risks everything to become the heroine of her own story and break a wicked spell imprisoning a castle full of enchanting misfits and a terrifying beast.

Beauty and the Beast is suitable for all audiences but most enjoyable for ages 5 and up.

Subscriptions for the 2019/2020 Season are priced from $157 to $187 and are currently on sale. Subscribers receive special offers on dining, flexible ticket exchanges, and early notification and priority seating for added events and concerts. For more information, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis and Artistic Director William Osetek, Drury Lane Theatre is a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, presenting world-class productions in collaboration with some of the nation's leading actors, artists, writers, and directors. Over the past 30 years, Drury Lane has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for more than 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane is committed to breathing new life into beloved classics and introducing audiences to exciting new works.

Throughout its 30-year history, Drury Lane has employed more than 7,500 actors and 10,000 musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members. Originally founded by Anthony DeSantis, Drury Lane Theatre remains a family-run organization known for producing breathtaking Broadway classics, top-rated musicals, bold new works, hilarious comedies, and unforgettable concert events.