Young Ambler resident Grady J. Chillemi to perform in "Beauty and the Beast, Jr."

Performances of Disney’s beloved Beauty and the Beast, Jr. will begin at Walnut Street Theatre later this month, featuring young talent from the Ambler area.

Ambler resident Grady J. Chillemi, among a cast of 21 members of the Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre, will perform a variety of roles in the production. His characters include the Baker, the Wolf, and a Dancing Utensil. Beauty and the Beast, Jr. tells the classic tale of a young prince transformed to a hideous beast by an enchantress’s spell. Only his ability to love and be loved can lift the curse, a hope that seems all but lost until he meets Belle, a young woman in a provincial town.

The musical takes inspiration from the iconic costume design and a long list of entertaining characters that helped the original film to garner an Oscar nomination for Best Picture in 1991.

As the Walnut’s 208th anniversary season unfolds, Beauty and the Beast, Jr. will launch the WST for Kids series with a classic musical that young audiences will love.

Performances run from September 24 to October 2. For tickets and more information, call 215-574-3550 or visit walnutstreettheatre.org.

[Photo credit: Grady J. Chillemi in WST for Kids production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Photo by Mark Garvin.]