'Beauty and the Beast' opens at Cumberland County Playhouse

Musical opens at Cumberland County Playhouse June 16

Artistic Director Britt Hancock, shown when he played the Beast at Cumberland County Playhouse in 2004, directs the 2017 production of "Beauty and the Beast." Blake Graham plays the cursed prince/Beast in the new production opening Friday.
Artistic Director Britt Hancock, shown when he played the Beast at Cumberland County Playhouse in 2004, directs the 2017 production of "Beauty and the Beast." Blake Graham plays the cursed prince/Beast in the new production opening Friday.

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If you go› What: “Beauty and the Beast”› Where: Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn.› When: Friday, June 16-Sunday, Aug. 20› Admission: $29 adults, $27 senior citizens, $24 groups/military; $16 students/children› For more information: 931-484-5000

The story of a girl trapped in a provincial small town and a prince trapped in a cursed body will kick off the summer season at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn., when "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" opens Friday, June 16.

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, the stage version includes all of the memorable songs from the movie - such as "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song - plus a few new songs written especially for the Broadway musical.

"I'm so thrilled that 'Beauty and the Beast' is returning to the Playhouse stage," says Producing Director Bryce McDonald. "Not only is it one of my all-time favorites, but it truly revolutionized the Disney musical not only with its amazing production values, but also with its strong, intelligent and resourceful heroine."

"Beauty and the Beast" takes place in a small provincial town in France. When Maurice (played by Bill Frey), the town's eccentric inventor, becomes lost in the woods, he seeks shelter in an old castle, only to find its master to be a horrible beast.

For this production, Blake Graham, who was last seen in "The Little Mermaid," has been cast as the Beast who takes Maurice captive. The inventor's daughter, an adventurous young woman named Belle, played by Harli Cooper who was also in "The Little Mermaid," trades herself for her father's freedom when she finds him in the castle.

She discovers that the beast is actually a prince who was trapped in his current form by an enchantress as punishment for his cruel, selfish ways. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle's love before it's too late. But will time run out before the curse is broken?

The 31-member cast features three newcomers to the Playhouse: Walker Degerness as Lumiere, Natasha Ricketts as Madame de la Grande Bouche and Grayson Yockey as Gaston.

Also in the cast are Molly Dobbs as Babette, Ross Griffin as LeFou, Brett Mutter as Cogsworth, Weslie Webster as Mrs. Potts and Joseph Wilson as Monsieur D'Arque. Kyra Crosby and Chavin Medina will alternate in the role of Chip.

The musical features choreography by Leila Nelson ("Mamma Mia"), sets by Curtis Phillips ("The Little Mermaid") and musical direction by Ron Murphy.

For more information: www.ccplayhouse.com.

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