phillytheatertix.com

Press Contact:  Marc S. Goldberg, 215-659-8550

Storybook Musical Theatre, the Abington-based, professional children’s theater company, will present the classic love story of “Beauty and the Beast.” The show is first performing at St. Joseph’s University from May 11 to May 15, then at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center from May 25 to May 30.

This original musical adaptation of Madame de Beaumont’s story has been adapted for the stage by Storybook’s Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg, with original music by composer, Kevin Arruda.  This heartwarming tale tells of a young lady who sacrifices her own happiness and freedom to save her father’s life.  In doing so she and everyone around her learns the true meaning of love and that a person’s character often outweighs their external looks.

The story begins when an arrogant prince is transformed into a beast as punishment for only associating with rich and beautiful people like himself.  He will be destined to live as a beast unless he can learn to love someone for themselves and find someone who can do the same.

Beauty becomes entangled in this web when her father, caught stealing roses from the Beast’s garden, is sentenced to live with him.  She sacrifices her freedom to free her father.  During the play, Beauty learns to love the cursed Prince despite his hideous looks.  She also comes to realize that beauty is only skin deep and true love can only be found within a person’s character.

Storybook has gathered six talented, local actors for their cast:

Amanda Carlisle, of Philadelphia, a newcomer to Storybook, plays the selfless and caring Beauty.  She has appeared in the National Tour of Footloose. Regional credits: Barefoot in the Park, Gypsy and Hello Dolly at Alhambra Dinner Theater, Sound of Music at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater and Proposals and The Full Monty and the Ritz Theater.

Kevin Hurley, of Laurel Springs, N.J., plays the tormented  Beast.  Prior to joining Storybook, Kevin was seen in Oliver at the Walnut St. Theater.  Other credits: Footloose and Oklahoma at the New Candlelight Dinner Theater,  City of Angels, The Crucible and Into the Woods at the South Jersey Academy of Performing Art.

Playing the fatherly role is Storybook veteran, Peyton Dixon, of Wilmington, Delaware.  Peyton was seen on Storybook’s stage as the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, the Genie in Aladdin and the Carnival Owner in Pinocchio.  Regional credits: Schoolhouse Rock at New Candlelight Dinner Theater, Damn Yankees, West Side Story and American Anthem at Three Little Bakers Dinner Theater. In addition, he portrays John Adams at Independence Hall.

Ted Wioncek III is also making his Storybook debut in the role of Beauty’s suitor, Jacques.  A NJACT Perry Award nominated director and founder of The Collaborative Act Studio, has worked with the Walnut St. Theater, The Wilma Theater, Montgomery Theater and a plethora of regional theaters in the tri-state area. He will be seen in the World Premiere musical Burt & Me this summer at Act II Playhouse.

Emily Chaney, of Columbus, N.J., another veteran of Storybook’s stage, plays one of Beauty’s selfish sisters, Fifi.  Emily was seen last season in the Storybook productions of Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel. Other local credits: Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing at Delaware Shakespeare Festival, Company at EgoPo Theater Company, The Rivals at To The Wall Productions, A Christmas Carol at the Walnut St. Theater, Beauty and the Beast and Jesus Christ Superstar at New Candlelight Dinner Theater.  She is a graduate of Rowen University.

Rounding out the cast is Aileen Goldberg, of Glenolden, PA. as Beauty’s other materialistic sister, Mimi.  Aileen was just seen as the Princess in The Frog Prince.  Other Storybook credits: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin. Other credits: Sweeney Todd at City Theatre Company, Concrete Dinosaur at Plays and Players, Damn Yankees and Annie at Three Little Bakers Theater, 42nd Street and Beauty and the Beast at New Candlelight Dinner Theater and The Pirate at Prince Music Theater. She is a graduate of  NYU’s Tisch School.

The Director of  Beauty and the Beast is Patricia Goldberg,  Musical Direction by Nancy Wiker, costumes by Kim Hanley, sets by Pat Goldberg and lighting by Marc S. Goldberg.
 
The Bluett Theater of St. Joseph’s University in located at 56th & Overbrook Ave, Philadelphia.  The Mitchell Performing Arts Center is located at Huntingdon Pike & Tomlinson Road in Huntingdon Valley.  Show times for Beauty and the Beast are weekdays at 10:15am and Saturday at 11:00 am. (Saturday, May 29 at 1:00 pm).  There will be a Sunday 2:00 pm performance on May 30. Reservations are recommended.  Children’s tickets are $10.00, Adults are $12.00 with generous school and group discounts available. All Storybook productions are appropriate for ages 3 and older.  As always, everyone gets to meet the cast after each show for a handshake, autograph or photo.

For information or reservations, call box office at 215-659-8550 or visit Storybook’s website: www.storybookmusical.org.
                                                     
FACT SHEET

WHAT: BEAUTY AND TH BEAST

WHERE: BLUETT THATRE, ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERISTY
56TH & OVERBROOK AV.
PHILA., PA 19131

MITCHELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER,
TOMLINSON RD,  & HUNTINGDON PK.
BRYN ATHYN, PA. (HUNTINGDON VALLEY) 19006

WHEN: MAY 11 TO MAY 15 AT BLUETT THEATER, ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY
MAY 25 TO MAY 30 AT MITCHELL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
TUESDAY TO FRIDAYS AT 10:15 AM, SAT. AT 11 AM, SUN (MAY 30). AT 2 PM

COST: CHILDREN: $10, ADULTS: $12, GROUP RATES AVAILABLE

MORE INFO: 215-659-8550 or www.storybookmusical.org