Perfect entertainment for the entire family is to be had in San Jose when American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, May 13-25.
Adapted from the beloved Academy Award-winning animated film, this heart-warming musical with a book by Linda Woolverton tells the classic fairy tale of Belle, an intelligent beauty imprisoned in a forbidding castle, where she forms an unlikely friendship with her captor, a hideous beast. Filled with magic, romance and suspense, the story proves that beauty is what lies beneath the surface and that, in the end, love conquers all.
The stage show features all the characters from the popular film including Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Chip and Cogsworth. The unforgettable score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice includes “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston” and the romantic Academy Award-winning Best Song, “Beauty and the Beast.” This stage adaptation was Disney’s Theatricals first show on Broadway where it ran for more than 13 years.
Nikki Renée Daniels makes her AMTSJ debut as Belle. Daniels has appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables (Fantine u/s), Nine, Aida (Aida u/s) and Little Shop of Horrors. She also appeared as Clara in the New York City Opera production of Porgy and Bess. Brad Little, The Beast, has played the title role in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and has also appeared on the Great White Way in Cyrano the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof and the Lincoln Center revival of Anything Goes. Edward Staudenmayer, Gaston, has performed a multitude of roles in New York’s Forbidden Broadway and in the national tours of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Gaston) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (Fairleigh).
The production is directed by Glenn Casale who helmed the 1999 Tony Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby. His most recent production at AMTSJ was that of Camelot starring Michael York in 2007. As a dancer he has appeared in a wide range of Broadway musicals, while his television musical assignments include the A&E Network’s Emmy Award-winning version of “Peter Pan” and “The Today Show.”
With its stellar cast and direction, the stage is set for an enchanting theatrical experience for all. —RV
Where:
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.
When:
May 13-25, Tues-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 1 & 6:30pm
Info/Tickets:
1.888.455.SHOW, www.amtsj.org
