Musical Theatre West Presents Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Now thru 7/27

It's a "tale as old as time," and it's coming to Long Beach! Musical Theatre West's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast takes the stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center for 14 performances, today, July 11 through Sunday, July 27, including a just added evening performance on Sunday, July 27, 7:00 PM.

Relive the magic, the music, and the beauty of one of Disney's most beloved Broadway musicals live on stage, with vibrant costumes and sets and all of your favorite songs, from "Be Our Guest" to "Beauty and the Beast." Tickets are now on sale at the Musical Theatre West Box Office, by calling (562) 856-1999 ext. 4, or online at www.musical.org. Opening weekend performances are already sold out, so get your tickets now. Best seats available for the added performance on Sunday, July 27, 7pm.

It was 20 years ago in 1994 that Disney's Beauty and the Beast first opened on Broadway. The stage show spectacle features the animated film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice, set to the book by Linda Woolverton. Musical Theatre West's production stars Gwen Hollander and Garrett Marshall in the title roles, with Christian Marriner as Gaston; Michael Paternostro as Lumiere; Cathy Newman as Mrs. Potts; Brandon L. Armstrong as Cogsworth (see calendar listing for full cast) The production is directed by David F.M. Vaughn with musical direction by Michael Borth, and choreography by Bill Burns. This production is made possible through the generous contributions of Honorary Producer KC Wilson; Associate Producers are Universal Care, George & Gloria Deukmejian, Jon & Amanda Hall, Denne & Anne Goldstein, and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation; and Show Sponsors are Don & Judy McNulty Black, Ethel Severson, Leo & Judith Vander Lans, and Joan Wells.

Musical Theatre West's production marks a milestone for the prestigious Long Beach producing theatre company. Paul Garman, Executive Director and Producer of the company notes, "Musical Theatre West (MTW) has been waiting for many years to be able to license a Disney show and we hope this will be the first of several Disney shows that will be produced regionally by MTW." MTW's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast coincides with the 20th anniversary of the show.

Tickets are now on sale for Musical Theatre West's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center July 11-27. For tickets call (562) 856-1999, ext. 4 or go to www.musical.org.