Disney’s 'Beauty and the Beast' Comes to Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, NH — The Music Hall and the Ogunquit Playhouse are thrilled to announce the stars of the beloved Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast," on stage at The Music Hall’s Historic Theater in Portsmouth, Nov. 30 - Dec. 18, 2016. This lavish production based on the Academy Award-winning film will sweep you away as the eye-popping spectacle comes to life with unforgettable characters, stunning sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers.

Set to a score by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice, according to a press statement, "Beauty and the Beast" has won the hearts of millions of people worldwide, running for 13 years on Broadway and earning nine Tony nominations, including Best Musical. “Be our guest” for this “tale as old as time,” the musical for all generations.

Starring in the lead roles at The Music Hall for the upcoming Ogunquit Playhouse production of Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast," are Catherine Charlebois as Belle and Jason Michael Evans as Beast. Ms. Charlebois recently performed in the hit musical Wicked as Nessarose both on Broadway and for the National Tour. She has also performed in many regional theatres across the U.S. in such shows as "Beauty and the Beast," "Steel Magnolias," and "Fiddler on the Roof." Mr. Evans has also performed in New York City and regional theatres across the U.S. His credits include "Passion," "On Your Toes with Encores!" at NY City Center, "Beauty and the Beast," "Bye Bye Birdie," "South Pacific," and "Meet Me in St. Louis."

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed back to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Beauty and the Beast is part of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, a month-long celebration of the season that is presented by The Music Hall and Strawbery Banke Museum. For more information see vintagechristmasnh.org

About the Ogunquit PlayhouseThe Ogunquit Playhouse, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization listed on the National Historic Register, is located on Route One in Ogunquit, Maine and produces the finest Broadway musicals each season with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from mid-May to early November. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season.

For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Submitted by Monte Bohanan.