Photo Flash: Sierra Repertory Theatre Presents BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Sierra Repertory Theatre will delight audiences of all ages this summer with Disney's Beauty and the Beast, one of modern musical theatre's biggest hits. Based on the classic 1991 Disney animated film, this theatrical telling celebrates the Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and is expanded with soaring new melodies that enchants audiences of all ages. It's everything to love about the film and more in a stage spectacular. The independent Belle, trapped in her provincial town, finds her life turned upside down as she takes her father's place as a captive in an enchanted castle ruled by an angry Beast. With help from the creatures in the castle and her own kindheartedness, Belle finds the prince inside the Beast and works to break the magic that permeates the mysterious castle and all of its inhabitants. A fantastically enjoyable adventure, this classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters and dazzling production numbers, including: "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn, who returns to Sierra Rep after directing and choreographing last season's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat. The production is music directed by Benjamin Van Diepen, who audiences will lovingly remember as Jerry Lee Lewis from this year's Million Dollar Quartet.

"Beauty and the Beast has always been a story I've been quite partial to since the first time I saw the film," says Dunn. "The story will always be one that makes me think of two very large artistic influences and supporters on my life that have since past on. My Aunt brought me to see the film, which left me absolutely stunned. Years later, my Grandmother took me to see the show on Broadway, which was incidentally the first Broadway show I ever saw. My mind was blown that the show was so close to the film in terms of aesthetic, and I was in awe of how all of the magic was created on stage right in front of me eyes. It was a truly magical moment which I still remember sparking the idea of theatre being something so incredibly special. As a Director/Choreographer, it is certainly not lost on me that Disney gears their material toward children. I love knowing that this may be someone's first theatrical experience and I feel it is my responsibility as an Artist, to make sure that we're giving them the most fruitful theatrical experience that we can. It is amazing how the arts inspire, and if ever I get tired during the rehearsal day, I think about this obligation to new theatre-goers and it makes me work harder!"

Sierra Rep is delighted to welcome Brooke Quintana? in her SRT debut in the lead role of Belle. Recent credits Disney's Beauty and the Beast (National Tour); West Side Story, Hairspray, Gypsy (Weathervane theatre); Les Misérables (Different Stages Theatre). Daniel Rubio? joins the cast as Beast after playing the role for Broadway By the Bay and Mountain Play. Recent credits include Next to Normal (Youth Musical Theatre Company); Sleeping Beauty, The Biggest Gift (Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble); Noises Off! (Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre); Billy Elliot the Musical (Contra Costa Musical Theatre); Love's Labour's Lost (Marin Shakespeare Company). Daniel received his training from Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) located on the central coast.

Dunn continues: "What draws me most to the actual story is all of the wonderful lessons that are offered. It is a story of seeing beyond the physical, and looking into someone's heart. It's a story about a thirst for knowledge that is never quenched and how that knowledge can bring people together. It's about a story of speaking from the heart and how love will always conquer all. Most of all, it's a story that makes it okay to be different and how our differences make us special. There's truly something for everyone."

Tickets for Disney's Beauty and the Beast can be purchased online at www.SierraRep.org?, or by phone at (209) 532-3120,? e-mail: tickets@sierrarep.org, or by visiting the East Sonora Theatre Box Office (Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11am - 5pm). The Fallon House Theatre Box Office is open two hours prior to Columbia show-times. Performances at the Historic Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park (11175 Washington St, Columbia, CA 95310) begin on March 30 and continue through May 6. Performance times are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $32 to $47. Discounts for seniors, children, and students (18 and over with student ID) are available for all performances. Special discounts for groups of 20 or more are also available.

Events taking place during the run of Disney's Beauty and the Beast include:

Opening Night Reception - Friday, June 15

The Opening night audience is invited to join the Cast, Production Team, and SRT Staff for a light reception at Christopher's Ristorante at the City Hotel in Columbia State Park. No-host bar, cash only.

Post-Show Talkback - Friday, July 20

Enjoy our Talkback series with members of the cast following this performance, FREE with the purchase of a ticket for that evening's performance.

ABOUT SIERRA REPERTORY THEATRE

Sierra Repertory Theatre is a professional non-profit theater located in California's beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. Since 1980, Sierra Rep has focused on its original mission: to present audiences with a broad range of theatrical literature at the highest production quality possible; to pay artists and staff a living wage and to make a vibrant contribution to our community's economy, culture and spirit. Sierra Repertory Theatre is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information about Sierra Repertory Theatre and upcoming shows, please visit www.SierraRep.org or call the box office at (209) 532-3120. Follow Sierra Repertory Theatre on Instagram at @SierraRep; and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SierraRep.

Photos by Rich Miller Photography.