Molly Sorensen and Jacob Mergott Star in Media Theatre's TALE OF BEAUTY & THE BEAST, Beginning Tonight

The Media Theatre's 2015-16 Children's Series begins today, September 26 with TALE OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The show plays through November 1.

This new musical version of the classic story blends humor with plenty of heart as we learn that greed and selfishness create misfortune, while love conquers all. An Old Woman puts a curse on the vain Prince and sends him into a land 'not within time or space' until a widow approaches one evening. He falls in love with the Widow's daughter, but not before we meet singing castle furniture and two humorous farmhands.

With a cast of Media Theatre students and professional adult actors, the one hour show is the perfect treat for ages 4 and up. Showtimes are Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon.

Jacob Mergott, who wowed audiences this past summer in "The Vocalist" contest with his powerful pop-tenor vocals, will play the role of The Prince/ The Beast. He's from Wallingford and is 16 years old. This will be his debut in a production at The Media Theatre.

Molly Sorensen will play the role of The Beauty. She's 14 and is from Malvern. She had audiences applauding with enthusiasm this past winter when she played the title role in "Snow White" and is the 2014 "Vocalist Junior" winner.

Media Theatre veteran actor Roger Ricker will add humor and mystery to the show as The Old Woman who casts a spell, while Tim Haney becomes a singing Grandfather Clock.

Others in the show are Veronica Garrubbo as Madame Rondeau. Her daughters are played by Brianna Jaffe and Emily Smith. Their two silly husbands are Lars Halldin and Michael Wells.

The Magic Looking Glass, unlike most audiences have seen, is a two-headed version played by Caileigh Crane and Violet Wiley. Masterpiece Paintings are Sarah Shoumer and Mary Kate Vink, with Scott Bradbury as the Dancing Chair.

Henry O' Neill is The Captain and Jillian Donohue and Mary Layne play two Princesses who adore the Prince. In the castle, the Maid and Housekeeper are Hannah Brady and Roya Wolcott. Maxwell Talbott is a Page and the Ensemble is made up of AiDan Crane, Will Draper, Gigi Furlan, Alexandra Shoumer, Madison Vassilakopoulos, and Brynn Washbourne.

For tickets to "Tale of Beauty and The Beast" call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org. There are group rates available and also two Friday morning shows for school groups on October 2 and 23.

Pictured: Jacob Mergott, who plays The Prince/ The Beast.

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