Blog

By Elizabeth James When I was twelve years old, my mother brought me to Chicago to see Beauty and the Beast. It was my first experience with musical theatre. To this day, I remember the way the lobby smelled. I remember the squish of the cushion on the seat. I remember how fast my heart…
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By Jackie FIscher Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to…
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By Julie Gindy I love a fairy tale. I grew up reading the classics, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and many more. Nothing says a happy childhood like a cannibalistic witch, coo-ca-ly coo there’s blood on the shoe or a terrifying giant. Though this story is truly a “Tale as Old as…
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We have had a very busy few days and have come out with a stellar cast! On Wednesday about 45 people attended a dance workshop to learn the Beauty and the Beast dance audition piece. We had 2 audition sessions on Saturday and 80+ individuals danced and sang! Sunday afternoon the job of piecing together the…
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This story begins with a team of talented, devoted, & hard working individuals all journeying together to to create a tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast…Acting Out style! On Sunday afternoon at Perry Farm Park we gathered together to take a collective look and plant our ceremonial sign therefore staking out our spot…
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By Sharon Richardson As I was preparing to write a blog about audition tips – I went back and read my blog from a year ago and realized – that information really doesn’t change!  So we are “recycling” a blog from last year with a couple different thoughts thrown in!  We are looking for a…
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By: Kendra Souligne I am honored to choreograph this year’s AOTC production of Beauty & the Beast. In keeping with tradition, when it comes to choreography, we have the utmost respect for authenticity. The story of Belle living in 19th century France invokes the necessity for research of that time period and what style of…
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By Ryan Schultz Every year my first blog seems to come earlier and earlier. But, even though it’s hard to believe, auditions are right around the corner. This year, for the first time, we are putting on a Disney family classic, one that is a timeless story that has been enjoyed by millions over the…
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By Paula Denault … there was a group of people that dreamt of bringing stories to life in the great outdoors.  They struggled, they toiled, they scrimped, they saved, they laughed and they cried. They met giants that had to be slayed and ogres that had to be defeated.  Eventually their dreams were realized, and…
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