Beauty And The Beast for Strathfield

Strathfield Musical Society (NSW) promises audiences a treat with Beauty And The Beast in October 2015.

Patron Julie Anthony AM OBE is also lending her voice to the Society in the role of the Narrator.

“It’s great to see Julie, our Society’s patron for many years, able to take such an active role to support us,” Musical Director Brian Hughes said. “We were thrilled that Julie was able to attend the ticket launch and opening night of our 2014 season of Phantom of the Opera. We are equally thrilled that Julie has agreed to make such a valuable contribution to this production.”

Disney’s Beauty And The Beast is a popular show and one that translates beautifully from animated feature film to a stage musical.  Director Kathy Clark remembers taking her children to a special screening when the feature was first released in Australia.

“I thought at the time that it would make a lovely stage musical,” Kathy notes. “I never thought then that I would one day direct a stage version of it.”

Kathy is looking forward to her grandchildren coming to see the production. “I’m really directing it for them,” she said. “If it appeals to them, I am sure it will appeal to everyone.”

The story contains timeless themes of love, beauty and self-sacrifice. It tells us that beauty is found within and not to be deceived by appearances, all in a wonderful package of music, lights, fantastic costumes and enchantment!

The cast is a mix of regular and new performers.

Haydn Allbutt, a regular on the SMS stage, is unleashing his inner beast as – well, the Beast. Rebecca MacCallion returns to Strathfield following her success as Christine in Strathfield’s Phantom to play the role of Belle, with Natalie Elliot as her understudy.  

John Molyneux plays Gaston, with his sidekick Lefou played Gareth Davis. Lachlan O’Brien will be lighting up the stage as Lumiere, ready to turn the wick up on Paul Adderley who is making a timely appearance as Cogsworth.  Felicia Harris is sure to infuse warmth and humour into the role of Mrs Potts. Alexandre Blandino is certain to tickle the audience’s fancy as Babette.

Brian Sadler is Assistant Director and Assistant MD is Tom Nicholl, who normally makes his presence felt in the brass section of the orchestra.

Choreographer Melissa Stewart, assisted by Kaylie Yan, promise to bring joyous vitality to the dance numbers.  

The show opens on Friday 9th October and runs over two weekends.

Beauty And The Beast

Music by Alan Menken,  lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.  Book by Linda Woolverton.

9-17 October 2015 – The Latvian Theatre, 32 Parnell Street, Strathfield NSW

Performances:

Friday 9th October 8:00 pm

Saturday 10th October 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Sunday 11th October 2:00 pm

Friday 16th October 8:00 pm

Saturday 17th October 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Tickets:

Adult $50

Concession and Theatre Party (10 or more) $40

Children (under 16) $30

Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) $120  

Bookings

www.strathfieldmusicalsociety.com.au

Phone: (02) 8007 7785

Email: bookings@strathfieldmusicalsociety.com.au

Images: (top) The Production Team pictured with Strathfield's patron Julie Anthony AM OBE, who will provide the voice of the Narrator. L – R: Musical Director Brian Hughes, Director Kathryn Clark, Patron Julie Anthony and Choreographer Melissa Stewart & (lower) Rebecca MacCallion (Belle) and Lachlan O'Brien (Lumiere).

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