Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts Hosts BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, 5/22

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College concludes its 2010-2011 Target FamilyFun series with American Family Theater's production of Beauty and the Beast on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2pm.

Set in provincial France, this musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale tells the story of a young woman who longs for adventure. When her father is captured by a monstrous beast, who is actually a cursed prince, she must overcome her fears to rescue him, even if it means taking his place as the Beast's prisoner. But as she spends time in his castle, Beauty slowly discovers that outward appearances can be deceiving. Recognizing the Beast's loneliness and inner goodness, she falls in love with him, and with a kiss, frees him from his curse. This 60-minute musical is recommended for audiences age 4 and up.

American Family Theater's production of Beauty and the Beast was written by Donald Kersey (book and lyrics) and Steven Leibman (music). The cast includes Katie Bland as Beauty, James Nester as the Beast, Victor Albaum as Father, Evan Smith as the Narrator, Katie Romero as Liriope, and Heather Wagner as Lilly.

All tickets for Target FamilyFun Series performances are $6 in advance, $7 at the door.

About American Family Theater
American Family Theater (AFT) is the nation's premier producer of musicals for families and young audiences and performs in over 300 venues each year. AFT's award winning productions reflect a critically acclaimed commitment to full-scale presentations that involve the skills, talent and creativity of outstanding directors, designers, composers, performers and technical personnel.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. In recognition of its commitment to quality family programming, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts was voted Brooklyn's Best Theater of Theater Group for Kids as part of Nickelodeon's 2009 ParentsConnect Parents' Picks Awards.

American Family Theater's Beauty and the Beast
Presented by Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2pm
Tickets: $6 ($7 at door)

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2 train to Flatbush Avenue / on-site paid parking available
Running time: approx 60 minutes
Recommended for ages 4 and up

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718-951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1PM - 6PM
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 22

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2010-2011 Target FamilyFun Series is sponsored by Target

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for the 2010-2011 season is provided by: JP Morgan Chase; Con Edison; Macy's Foundation; Brooklyn Community Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; National Grid; TD Bank; Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation; New England Foundation for the Arts; Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; Health Plus; and the Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund, established in the New York Community Trust by founders of The Reader's Digest Association. Additional support provided by CNG Publications, The Brooklyn Eagle, and WBGO Jazz 88. The Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center's 2010-2011 season. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges generous support from the Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly and Speaker Sheldon Silver; Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Senate and Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson; Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York City Council and Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,740 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.