Franklin School for the Performing Arts Presents Beauty and the Beast 8/11-12

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts' (FSPA) 2011 SummerStage program presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast on August 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin. SummerStage is a two-week musical theater program that culminates in an annual performance.

Featuring local performers in grades 5 and up, this all-student, full-length production tells the story of Belle, her desire for an adventurous life and her love for the Beast, despite his appearance.

Based on the 1991 movie of the same name, the popular Beauty and the Beast played on Broadway between 1994 and 2007, making it the eighth longest-running Broadway musical of all time. The lyrical score, written by Alan Menken, features many of the same musical numbers as the movie, including "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast."

The role of Belle will be played by Melissa Mandia of Franklin. Michael Egan of Hopkinton will portray The Beast and Lucas Melfi of Franklin will play Gaston. The servants will be played by Samantha Millette of Norfolk as Mrs. Potts, Ali Funkhouser of Franklin as Lumiere and Giovanna Ferri of Franklin as Cogsworth. Other featured roles include Neil Pfizenmaier of Franklin as Maurice, Julie Wiles of Medway as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Lindsay Tomas of Wrentham as Babette, Jenna McDermott of Wrentham as Lefou and Jocelyn Jones of Franklin as Monsieur D'Arque.

Members of the ensemble include Olivia Basso, Kathryn Cunningham, Marielle DaCosta, Hailey DeMello, Morgan Fitzpatrick, Catherine LeClair, Carolyn Mercuri, Samantha Sabanosh, Lauren Szczepanowski, Jessica Ward, and Jill Whitney of Franklin; Brian Barrett of Foxboro; Brittany Fox and Christine Horton of Hopedale; Jack McAuliffe of Hopkinton; Julia Barker of Mansfield; Katie Compson, Kelli Grafton, Nicole Loranger, Amy Pinto and Sarah Turner of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Mary Herbert of Milton; Jack Staal of Norfolk; Gwyneth Franklin and Caterina Roman of North Attleboro; Cassandra Riva of Plainville; Kyle Gazoorian of Upton; and Celia Walsh of Walpole.

Tickets are $18/adults and $15/students and can be purchased at The Spotlight Shop, 34 Main St., Franklin or by calling FSPA at (508) 528-8668.