Lance Gray (The Beast) from Fairfield, Connecticut
Maria Vee (Beauty) from New Haven, Connecticut (contributed photo)
It’s a New Year and it’s time for a new, modern, hilarious and touching adaptation of the classic Beauty and the Beast written and directed by Cabaret veteran Maria Vee and presented by Bridgeport’s DOWNTOWN CABARET CHILDREN’S THEATRE.
Twenty-four family-friendly performances on Saturdays and Sundays begin January 12 (2012) and continue through February 17 (2013) at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, located at 263 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
This adaptation of Beauty and The Beast takes place long ago in a galaxy, I mean a town, far far away, where a bullying Prince and his entire castle have been put under a magical enchantment. Close by in the French village of Fromagerie-by-the Sea, Beauty – who likes to be called B, just as Beyoncé does – is s-o-o-o bored with her little village life. Her only escape is the DVD’s she rents from The Redbox in the village – but there are never any new ones. When B’s father is caught picking a special rose from the Beast’s garden, he must face death or turn over one of his daughters to the Beast. B sacrifices herself to save her family, and finds herself a prisoner in a castle that resembles some sci-fi or animated movie! She is welcomed warmly by Discoteque, Kernel and Kernel’s Pop - Popcorn Maker, who introduce “B, our guest,” to the rest of the castle family. Eventually as B and the Beast begin to bond over his DVD collection and their love of movies, the castle staff secretly hopes she will be able to break the spell. But time is running out…and who could ever love a Beast?
Maria Vee, long time Downtown Cabaret Children’s Company veteran, writes, directs and plays the role of B with The Beast played by Lance Gray in this modern, hilarious, and touching, adaptation of the classic Beauty and the Beast.. With a slew of comedic characters, sparkling musical numbers, moments that will make any heart ache, (and a costume collection that would make the Follies Bergere jealous) this Beauty and the Beast will have audiences laughing and sighing right up to its suspenseful, twist of an ending.
Beauty and The Beast is perfect for groups, school field trips, children’s birthdays and other special family occasions. For more information contact Group Sales Coordinator Rosemary Martin Hayduk at 203-576-1634 x 102.
