Popra Nakayama and Paburo Ito as the Magical Statues Photo

From: Photo Flash: First Look at Sgouros & Bell's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Players Theatre

An original musical adaptation of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, inspired by the 1740 French Novella, began previews on Valentine 's Day and opens this weekend, February 27, running through April 26 at the Players Theatre, located at 115 MacDougal Street (between West 3rd and Bleeker) in the West Village. The production features a live chamber ensemble of three percussionist and cello, which hightlingts the rich somber tones of the score (by Michael Sgouros) as well as the magical dream-like tambers. Book and lyrics are by Brenda Bell who also directs with choreography by Bekah Shade. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!