CCP Ushers in Summer '17 With Revival of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Cumberland County Playhouse officially launches summer 2017 in Crossville on June 16, with a spectacular new production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the memorable songs from the animated film like "Be Our Guest," and the beloved title song, plus a few new songs written especially for the Broadway musical.

"I'm so thrilled that Beauty and the Beast is returning to the Playhouse stage for the first time in almost a decade," said producing director Bryce McDonald. "Not only is it one of my all-time favorites, but it truly revolutionized the Disney musical - not only with its amazing production values, but also with its strong, intelligent and resourceful heroine."

Beauty and the Beast takes place in a small provincial town in France. When Maurice (Bill Frey, Southern Fried Nuptials), the town's eccentric inventor, becomes lost in the woods, he seeks shelter in an old castle, only to find its master to be a horrible beast (Blake Graham, The Little Mermaid) that takes him captive. The inventor's daughter, an adventurous young woman named Belle (Harli Cooper, The Little Mermaid), trades herself for her father's freedom when she finds him in the castle. She discovers that the beast is, in fact, a prince who was trapped in his current form by an enchantress, as punishment for his cruel, selfish ways. So that he may become human again, the Beast must earn Belle's love before it's too late.

The 31-member cast also features Molly Dobbs (Million Dollar Quartet) as Babette, Ross Griffin (Million Dollar Quartet) as LeFou, Brett Mutter (Smoke on the Mountain) as Cogsworth, Playhouse newcomer Natasha Ricketts as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Weslie Webster (A Second Helping) as Mrs. Potts, Joseph Wilson (Smoke on the Mountain) as Monsieur D'Arque and Playhouse newcomer Grayson Yockey as Gaston. Kyra Crosby (Seussical) and Chavin Medina (The Little Mermaid)) will alternate in the role of Chip.

Playhouse artistic Director Britt Hancock (The Little Mermaid) will direct the production, which features choreography by Leila Nelson (Mamma Mia), sets by Curtis Phillips (The Little Mermaid), and musical direction by Ron Murphy. Beauty and the Beast runs through August 20.

Currently at the Playhouse: Smoke on the Mountain in the Adventure Theater, June 2 through August 10. Upcoming: Sister Act on the Mainstage, July 21 through September 8. Tickets may be reserved by calling (931) 484-5000 or visiting www.ccplayhouse.com. Tickets and information are also available for Southern Stars Symphonic Brass and other events.

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