Onstage at the Freeland presents the timeless production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast June 9-11 at the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts, Bristow's state-of-the-art performance venue. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 27 with exciting package add-ons soon to be announced.
Who doesn't know and love the story of an arrogant prince who falls under the spell of a wicked enchantress that turns him into a hideous beast until he learns how to love and be loved? Enter in beautiful Belle who befriends the Beast and along with the castle's enchanted servants helps change the cold-hearted Beast into a warm-hearted prince. A familiar story that has delighted audiences young and old for decades will take on a little different perspective as the Freeland Center production digs deeper into the inner beauty of people and how that beauty is found sometimes in our differences and in the most unlikely of people.
The show's Co-Director, Chapman Shields explains, 'Because of the familiarity to characters and music, a deeper level of meaning can be applied to inflict change. We want to encourage self-acceptance and that our differences also make us beautiful. Is the unwillingness to accept yourself and others not actually the true beast?'
This focus is apparent in the diversity of the cast members performing in the upcoming musical. Not only are these performers extremely talented and professional, they exemplify a spirit of overcoming odds and unique challenges.
Gavin Drew, who plays Lumiere, is a deaf actor who hears, speaks, and sings by the power of a cochlear implant. He fell deaf in college studying music and has since began a career as a deaf actor, activist, and collaborator.
Lauren Reece as Belle is a Stillwater, Oklahoma native and has performed in a host of theatrical productions She currently lives in Chicago and studied in the Stella Adler Studio.
Patrick Lupp plays the character of the Beast and is a well-known actor and sports star in Bristow. He is currently a student at OU.
The show's producer, Chip Cooper has been bringing top-notch entertainment to the Freeland Center for Performing Arts since it opened in 2009. Since that time family friendly concerts and productions have been drawing audiences from all over Oklahoma. 'We have assembled an all star cast that, just like Mary Poppins two years ago, will blow you away' Chip adds, 'The ago, will blow you away' Chip adds, 'The acoustics are fantastic and there isn't a bad seat in the house.'
A special thank you to Bob Barnes who is a sponsor of this event. Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be oerformed on June9-11at TheFreeland Center in Bristow, 2 Weatherwood Way, Bristow, OK. For more information about the show visit them on Facebook. Tickets for Beaut y and the Beast go on sale Monday, March 27 and are available at ETIX.COM. Performances: will be held Friday and Saturday - 7:30PM and Sunday 2:30PM. Tickets are $10 children under 12 - $20 12 and up For more updates on added events, check Facebook at Freeland Center for the Performing Arts.