"Tale as old as time.." as the title song so beautifully tells us, but when Beauty and the Beast returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 12 - 16, Atlanta audiences are in for something new. The hit Broadway musical has been tweaked and updated and this newly reworked tour is sure to please. Inviting audiences to "Be Our Guest" in this new production is actor Merritt David Janes who plays the fiery Lumiere. We caught up with Merritt and chatted about his career, the updates to the show and what it's like playing a candlestick.
Based on the 1991 hit movie musical masterpiece--the first animated feature film to ever score a Best Picture Oscar® nomination--Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST went on to become a hit stage musical as well, ushering a new, successful theatrical arm for the studio. That original 1994 Broadway production eventually garnered nine Tony Award nominations and played on for more than 5,000 performances before finally closing in 2007. Now revived in a newer, noticeably less extravagant touring production mounted by NETworks Presentations (on stage this week at the Orange County Performing Arts Center through November 21), the show's latest incarnation, despite its lively characters and still memorable music, feels less magical than its more Disney-esque origins.
Tuesday night, hundreds of children were enchanted by the touring production of Beauty and the Beast, now playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, June 13. As I wandered through the lobby before the show and during intermission, I often had to carefully sidestep a tiny Belle in requisite yellow ball gown and tiara. What was most remarkable though was how enchanted the adults were, myself included.
Tuesday night, hundreds of children were enchanted by the touring production of Beauty and the Beast, now playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, June 13. As I wandered through the lobby before the show and during intermission, I often had to carefully sidestep a tiny Belle in requisite yellow ball gown and tiara. What was most remarkable though was how enchanted the adults were, myself included.
SWEENEY TODD, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre for a limited three-week engagement, March 17 - April 5, 2009. Tickets are available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com and by phone at 1- 800-982-2787.
SWEENEY TODD, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre for a limited three-week engagement, March 17 - April 5, 2009. Tickets are available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com and by phone at 1- 800-982-2787.
WHO: The National Touring Company WHAT: The Wedding Singer WHERE: Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center WHEN: Through September 23. Tues-Sat at 8PM, Sat at 2PM, Sun at 1PM and 6:30PM. HOW MUCH: $25 - $70, plus fees. TICKETS: www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or 1-800-451-SEAT
