BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Continues at White Theatre of Jewish Community Center

With a tale as old as time, Disney's enchanting musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST waltzes into The White Theatre of the Jewish Community Center beginning Saturday evening, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. This family favorite continues with additional 7:30 p.m. performances July 13, 15, 20 and 22, and 2 p.m. matinee performances July 9, 16 and 23.

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a co-production with Johnson County's Theatre in the Park featuring an all-local cast. Following the run at the White Theatre, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be performed with the same cast at the outdoor venue July 28-30 and Aug. 2-5. Steven Eubank directs this production of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with musical direction by Pam Williamson and choreography by Mindy Moritz. It is rated G.

With Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and a book by Linda Woolverton, Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is based on the Academy Award-winning animated film. This classic story centers on Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. When Belle finds herself held captive by the Beast, she meets the most unusual enchanted servants if the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into 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 has it all - drama, comedy, fantasy and adventure," Eubank said. "In addition, the score contains well-loved songs, the musical has large group dance numbers, the costumes and sets are imaginative and creative. Disney always invites us to escape into a fantastic and fabulous world."

Eubank said Belle exemplifies a powerful, young independent woman.

"She does not conform to the pressures of her community. She dares to be different," Eubank said. "She embraces her intelligence and values education. Although this musical is set in a time period before electric lights, running water, automobiles or modern technology, Belle is an ideal role model for children in the 21st century."

Several special events will take place in conjunction with performances of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the White Theatre at The J:

• Sunday, July 9 & Saturday, July 15: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Meet & Greets
  Following these performances, join Belle, Beast, Mrs. Potts and friends for an exclusive meet and greet. Step on stage and into Beast's castle as you join the cast for this extra special occasion. (Complimentary with ticket purchase.)

• Thursdays July 13 & 20: Backstage Guided Tour
  After the show, experience the magic behind the scenes of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with this 30-minute guided tour demonstrating all the creative tricks and theatrical magic it takes to put on this fantastical production. (Cost: $5 per person)

• Sunday, July 16: Belle's Blissful Ball
  Be our guest joining Belle, Prince Adam, and the whole enchanted family following Sunday's performance for an enchanted party. Dress to impress for dancing, light munchies and refreshments, music and more. Guests will also receive a little goody bag complete with an autograph book! (Cost: $15 per person; advanced reservations required.)

• Saturday, July 22: Talk Back Session
  Do you wonder how all the wonder comes together? It's a tale as old as time. Stay after the show as the cast and creative team will meet on stage for a very special talk back session. (Complimentary with ticket purchase.)

• Sunday, June 25, Noon-2:00 p.m.: Baubles with Belle Hosted by Kendra Scott at Town Center Crossing
  Join us for an exclusive shopping event with Belle and friends, Sunday, June 25 from noon to 2 p.m. at Kendra Scott (4533 W 119th St, Leawood). Enjoy sips, sweets and jewels as you schmooze with Belle and some of her favorite enchanted friends.

• Tickets for Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST are $23 for the general public, $16 for The J members and $12 for students. Group tickets are also available. For performance, added extra enchantment tickets and reservations, please contact the White Theatre box office at The J by calling (913) 327-8054, email boxoffice@thejkc.org or visit TheWhiteTheatre.org.

Established more than 100 years ago, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, "The J," provides a warm welcome to families of all backgrounds. "The J's" all-in-one hub for health, learning and well being elevates the lives of the lives of the community and its Members with programs of excellence in fitness, sports, theatre, cultural arts, senior adult programming and youth services including summer camps and child development. Everyone can live up at "The J," located in Overland Park, Kansas, and at thejkc.org.

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