For more information, contact Vern Fryberger, 620-792-9395.

March 3, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

The cast is in full costume as dress rehearsals continue this week in preparation for this weekend’s performances of Barton Community College’s spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 6, and 2 p.m. March 7 in the college’s Fine Arts Auditorium.

Tickets are still available for purchase online by visiting www.bartonccc.edu and clicking on the “Beauty and the Beast Tickets” link. Those needing assistance in getting their tickets online may call the Fine Arts Office, 620-792-9391. All seats are reserved and ticket prices are $8 and $10.

A limited number of general admission tickets will be available at the door, said Barton’s choral music instructor Vern Fryberger, music director and production manager for the show.

Barton’s 2010 spring musical is based on Disney’s 1994 Broadway theatrical production of “Beauty and the Beast” with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and the book by Linda Woolverton.

Fryberger said the fairytale style of the show requires some very specialized costumes, which the production has rented to keep the musical as true as possible to the style of the original Broadway production.

Erin Renard, Russell, is stage director and choreographer for the musical, and the college’s instrumental music instructor Steve Lueth conducts the orchestra. Alan Baxter, Great Bend, is in charge of set design and construction; Leon Sobba, Ellinwood, lighting and set detail; and Sharon Sturgis, Ellinwood, properties.

As a special feature following the Sunday afternoon performance of the musical, the audience will be invited come to the front of the auditorium to meet the cast and crew, and if they wish, audience members will be escorted on stage to take a closer look at the props and set, Barton’s Dean of Academics Dr. Rick Abel said.

American writer Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay for Disney’s 1991 animated feature film of “Beauty and the Beast,” then went on to write the Broadway musical version. The story begins as an old beggar woman comes upon a castle belonging to a young prince. She asks for shelter from the cold and in return she offers to give him a single rose. The vain and uncaring prince turns her away, however, and she warns him not to be fooled by appearances, as true beauty lies within.

Seeing the prince as the heartless person that he is, she transforms herself into a beautiful enchantress and turns the prince into a hideous beast and his servants into household objects. She gives him a rose in an hour glass, saying the one way he can break the spell is to learn to love another and earn her love in return by the time the last petal falls.

Shelly Ramsey, Great Bend, as Belle, and K.B. Bell, Great Bend, as Maurice, Belle’s father, sing together in a dress rehearsal for the musical.

Cory Divilbiss, Barton sophomore, Great Bend, plays the Beast in Barton Community College’s spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast.”

Stephen Mai, right, Great Bend, as Belle’s suitor, Gaston, plays a scene with “silly girls,” left to right, Joann Stacey, Barton freshman, Allison Niederee, both of Great Bend, and Amanda Cargile, Abilene freshman.

Lori Underwood, Great Bend, as Mrs. Potts, and Allison Muth, Great Bend, as Chip, interact in a scene from the musical.