The Big ToDo: Beauty and the Beast Showcases Local Talent at The Springer
This month, the Springer Opera House is tackling a beloved staple of the musical theater genre. "Beauty and the Beast" will run Dec. 3-20 and will showcase a collection of local talent.
The director and a large majority of the cast members are all from the Chattahoocheee Valley.
Why is this significant?
Many of the cast of 30 members in this production have been cast in previous seasons or have come through the Springer Academy. In most Springer productions the ensemble is often made up of locals.
This time, both the director and the main lead are local as well.
In community theater, actors are often brought in from big cities like Atlanta or New York to play lead roles because most communities don't have a population with a talent pool big enough to produce leading actors that can carry a show.
Thanks to the work of the Springer, "Beauty and the Beast" has a different tale to tell. The musical will be directed by Shane Hall, who just made his directing debut with the Springer's recent production of "A Chorus Line." Hall is a native of Phenix City and graduated from Central High School. He grew up dancing at a local studio and was in several shows at the Springer before landing a few national tours of Broadway shows.
Upon his return to Columbus, Ron Anderson offered him the opportunity to direct for the Springer. Hall cast a mix of local and non-local talent for "A Chorus Line," but when he set out to cast "Beauty and the Beast" he found that locals were the way to go.
"I think there is a great misconception that talent for musicals and Broadway shows must only come from New York City," Hall said. "I have a saying that I stand true to: Broadway is only an address. As the director of this show, I saw multiple female actresses from various regions of the U.S who auditioned for me for the part of Belle. In the end, the person that I felt was best suited for this role and who would embody all of the beauty and strength of Belle just happened to be based in our hometown. This is a wonderful testament to our community and the growth and excitement towards the arts."
Belle will be played by local actress Sally Swanson, who is 21. This is her first lead role. Swanson grew up in Harris County and graduated from Harris County High. She was not a Springer Academy student, but is no stranger to the Springer stage, having recently appeared in her first supporting role as Bebe in "A Chorus Line" and in several other ensembles for past productions.
Hall is embracing her inexperience. "She has a lot of raw talent," Hall said of Swanson. "I related to her in the audition. She brought something to the audition that was still very Disney, but she had such a strong nature about her. Belle is not a little girl, she is of age. Sally really captured that and showed strength in the way she read. There was a really sweet fusion in the way she brought what you want to see in a Disney princess combined with a more real-life girl's perspective to the role."
Swanson is excited to play the part and is most looking forward to the ballroom scene. "The moment when I step on stage opening night in Belle's iconic yellow ballgown -- ever since I was a little girl it has always been one of my dreams to wear her dress, and just thinking about myself wearing it gives me butterflies," Swanson said. "This is truly going to be a magical experience."
IF YOU GO
What: Beauty and the Beast
When: Dec. 3-20
Where: Springer Opera House
Cost: $20-$45
Call: 706-327-3688 or springeroperahouse.org
This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The Big ToDo: Beauty and the Beast Showcases Local Talent at The Springer ."