Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Musicals at Richter

Musicals at Richter (MAR), Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater, kicks off its 40th season with the scintillating musical, DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, playing July 5-20. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center (next to Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings, with additional specially discounted performances on Thursdays July 11 and July 18.

ABOUT BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's classic, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This "tale as old as time" brings the entire community together for family theater at its best. The tuneful score features such well-known favorites as "Be Our Guest," "Belle," "If I Can't Love Her," "Gaston," "Human Again," and "Beauty and the Beast."

Directed for Musicals at Richter by Donald Birely, the production features music direction by Ben Doyle and a live band, choreography by Matthew Farina, and a talented cast of 45 local performers.

Grounds at Richter Arts Center open at 7:00 p.m. for picnicking, with the show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+) and students (with ID), and $15 for children 10 and under.

For the Thursday performances (July 11 and 18), tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $10 for children 10 and under.

Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating. A limited number of chairs are available free of charge at the concession area, and a snack/soft drink concession is on site.

VIP SEATING: Enjoy front row seating for any performance with a pair of reserved VIP seats for $150. A portion of the proceeds from the VIP seats goes toward the cost of our new stage deck and wing walls. These tickets include the use of comfortable Adirondack chairs and a table that will be placed in the front row before the House opens- ready for you whenever you arrive.

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.