Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Plays The Barter Theatre Through 8/19

Disney's Beauty and The Beast is now "like you've never seen it before," according to Richard Rose, producing artistic director at Barter Theatre, where the award-winning musical is onstage through August 13.

"Barter Theatre's 'Beauty and the Beast' will make you forget every other production you have seen," he said: There is more to both Belle and the Beast than meets the eye...a beautiful girl (Holly Williams) and a hairy beast (Sean Campos).

"With such an incredibly talented cast, we have been able to explore the depth and breadth of this story in order to fully tell this beautiful and touching tale for its greatest impact," said Rose.

Most people know the story of a handsome young prince who does not have a heart to match. Because he crossed an evil enchantress, he and everyone else in the castle becomes enchanted and trapped in non-human form. Only if the Beast is able to love and find someone who can love him will the spell be broken. 

The other side of the story is Belle. She is a young, vibrant and very pretty girl with a heart that is playful and adventurous - she wants more than what other pretty girls want. One might say Belle is a tomboy trapped in the body of a beauty. 

"The strong dancing and singing talent we have pulled from across the country and those in our own Resident Acting Company [which includes Nashville actress Erin Parker], not to mention the special effects, intertwined with finding the true heart of each character with will leave a lasting impression for anyone of any age," said Rose.
 
All the characters have a story, he says. The cast, 26 actors total, is one of the largest casts Barter has assembled in recent years. The stories are important, but one can't forget about all the familiar songs families know and love such as,  "If I Can't Love Her," "Human Again," and "Beauty and the Beast."

"I hope the audience will be as moved as I am in rehearsals when they hear the sheer power of all those harmonious voices in a song like "Be Our Guest," added Rose.  

Barter employs many dancers in the company and have brought outside talent in for a power packed performance. Amanda Aldridge along with dance captain Ashley Campos, as well as Cay Harkins, collaborate on the unbelievable choreography," Rose added.
 
In addition to being new on stage, Barter is offering a never-before-seen princess/prince package where you can be the Belle (or Beast) of Barter.  The package, for up to six people, includes: tea and cookies in The Barter Café, a 20-minute horse-drawn carriage ride around Abingdon to make a grand entrance at Barter Theatre, a poster signed by the entire cast, 6 tickets to see Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," and a choice of two Disney souvenirs. The Belle of Barter package is only offered Fridays - Sundays and quantities are limited. 

Barter is also offering a Family Discount Package, offering two or more youth tickets for $12 each with the purchase of two full price adult tickets.
 
Disney's Beauty and the Beast plays May 28 - August 13 at Barter Theatre. For tickets and more information, call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com. 

Pictured: Sean Campos and Holly Williams

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