by Bergen Eppers

Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg is taking its own turn on the tale as old as time. On May 13, this children’s theater will be having their last performance of the 1994 Tony Award winning musical Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Memorial Auditorium.

Based on the 1991 Academy Award winning movie, “Beauty and the Beast” still adds humor, romance, and action into a classic fairy-tale. The show tells the story of a cursed prince, turned into a hideous beast, who finally has hope of being human when Belle, a beautiful girl from a small village, wanders into his enchanted castle. As Belle and the Beast grow closer, hope of a change arises and excitement spreads, including among the Beast’s servant-turned-objects. But, conflict arrives with the self-centered Gaston, determined to have Belle as his wife, convinces the town her host is an evil creature. Don’t judge a book by its cover, Gaston. Both suspenseful and sentimental, this musical is great for the family with the classic songs “Be Our Guest,” “Home,” “Something There,” and of course, “Beauty and the Beast.”

According to Dayton.com, David Shockey, who plays the role of Beast says, “I believe most people find ‘Beauty and the Beast’ appealing because the story revolves around breaking social norms. It’s all about staying true to who you are even when society tells you to be someone else.”  Emi Ford, a Bellbrook senior who plays the role of Belle, says, “I’ve always admired [Belle] …I love how she’s actually intelligent unlike princesses who kind of are a little clueless.”

This is Ford’s first production with CPAM. “I honestly did not think I was going to get cast when I went into auditions…It was my first show there…but what’s the worst that can happen right?” says Ford, “When they posted the list, I was speechless, I was beyond excited…I was literally jumping off the walls.” After weeks of rehearsing, plus with her commitment to the school musical, “Annie,” it has finally come down to the performance days. “[The cast] spends a significant amount of time on character building for each character to build the depth of the production,” explains Ford, “Memorizing lines and blocking, that’s all important, but the background behind the words, the emotions, and the expressions, that’s what draws the audience to the production.”

“Beauty and the Beast” is perfect for the whole family and friends. http://www.cpamburg.com/buy-tickets