'Beauty and the Beast' arrives at the Springer
You may have seen the Disney animated film 'Beauty and the Beast.' Certainly, some parents have seen it 100 times on video.
But Scooter MacMillan, marketing director for the Springer Opera House, says "there is nothing like seeing the story in live theater."
People in Columbus will get the chance to do so when the show, which ran for 13 years on Broadway and garnered nine Tony Award nominations, begins its three-week run tonight at the Springer.
Talking about the show's lengthy run on Broadway, the Springer's producing artistic director Paul Pierce said in a news release that this is the kind of success that comes to a show with an "exciting and magical story, wonderful music and incredible costumes."
"It's exactly the kind of show that people particularly love to see at the Springer during the holidays," Pierce said.
The songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman are the same heard in the 1991 movie, the first animated feature to be nominated for the Academy Award for best picture. Those songs include 'Be Our Guest' and the winner for best original song, 'Beauty and the Beast.'
"There are seven additional songs," MacMillan said. Those were written by Menken and Tim Rice.
The story begins with a prince who refuses shelter to an old beggar woman. She happens to be an enchantress. Because of the prince's selfishness, she turns him into a horrible beast and all his servants into household objects. She informs him the only way the spell can be broken is if he finds true love in spite of his horrid appearance.
Andy Harvey, who pleased Springer audiences with his portrayal of Jean Valjean in 'Les Miserables' and Shrek in 'Shrek The Musical,' returns to town to play the beast.
A local actress, Sally Swanson, will play Belle. The last of her five performances at the Springer was playing Bebe Benzenheimer in the fall production of 'A Chorus Line.' She starred in numerous shows at Harris County High School.
There are some other faces familiar to regular patrons of the Springer. Russ Yoe, who portrays Gaston, has just finished performing as Little Bigman in 'A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline' and portrayed Bertram Cates in 'Inherit the Wind.' Casey Ross, who plays Lumiere, produced tears of laughter with his performance of Leo in 'The Producers.' The Los Angeles resident is currently starring as the doctor in 'Fairy Tale Therapy' a comedy web series on YouTube. Steve Valentini, the narrator, has appeared in numerous shows here and in regional theatres around the country. He has played the lead in productions such as 'Annie,' 'The King and I' and 'Man of La Mancha.' Karen Lord, seen as the bird woman in 'Mary Poppins' and Aunt Em in 'The Wizard of Oz' plays Mrs. Potts.
Where can I see 'Beauty and the Beast?'
The Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street in Columbus.
When can I see it?
The shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday on Dec. 3-5, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19. There are also Sunday matinees on Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 beginning at 2:30 p.m.
How much are tickets?
Adult tickets are $45. Tickets for seniors and public service workers (military, police firefighters and teachers) are $38. Tickets for students and children are $20.
How do I get them?
The box office is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and two hours before a show. Tickets may be purchased online at www.springeroperahouse.org. For information, call 706-327-3688.
This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 10:47 PM with the headline "'Beauty and the Beast' arrives at the Springer ."