Magical Opening For Barter Theater’s “Beauty And The Beast”

It was magnificent.  Barter Theater’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” was indeed magnificent.  The voices, the stage and scenery, the reaction of my fellow audience members – all magnificent.

I believe I’m one of the few people on this planet who had never seen Beauty and the Beast before Sunday afternoon – not the Disney movie, not the play, nada!  Wow… what I’ve missed.

Barter Theater officially opened its production of the Disney classic on stage in Abingdon Sunday afternoon.  It will run through November 15th.

The production’s cast includes many favorites in starring and ensemble roles, while brilliant choreography and directing mix with intricate and moving set designs to create a truly captivating performance. 

Hannah Ingram’s powerful voice takes on a ‘Disney-esque’ quality in her portrayal of Belle while Dan Folino’s powerful presence and voice bring The Beast to life.  Mike Ostroski morphed himself into a true muscle-bound ham with his portrayal of Gaston while Mary Lucy Bivins, Ezra Colon, Eugene Wolf, Michael Poisson, Sean Campos, Ashley Campos, Cathy Whelan, Matthew Torbett, Cheyenne Nelson and Rick McVey all brought something special to their parts.

Having worked with Director Evalyn Baron on productions for the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner a few years ago, I knew she had a special place in her heart for Disney before the Sunday show.  I didn’t realize how much of her heart she could bring to the stage with her oversight of this show until the company took their final bows.  Evalyn – you, your cast and crew did Walt Disney proud! 

For those other few who may not be familiar, Beauty and the Beast is the story of Belle, a young girl who saves her father by trading her freedom for his, ultimately becoming a prisoner of a horrible beast.  As she is kept, she learns that the castle is under a spell that turned the staff into enchanted household objects and the prince into a beast.  Her profession of love ultimately turns beast back into prince and, like any good Disney fairy tale, they live happily ever after. 

Last week, Director Evalyn Baron and Hannah Ingram visited the set of News Channel 11’s Daytime Tri-Cities to talk about the show.  You’ll find that interview here:  http://www.daytimetricities.com/tri/recreation/article/barter_theaters_beauty_and_the_beast/14047/

You’ll also find a treat in the form of additional interviews on Barter Theater’s website, complete with show details here:  http://bartertheater.com/shows/show_detail.php?show_id=26#

Maybe it’s the magic of seeing this Disney story come to life for the first time.  Or maybe it’s the magic of yet another spectacular performance at Barter Theater this season.  Either way, it was truly a magical Sunday afternoon at this opening. 

For this production, Barter Theater is welcomgin children ages 3 and up to the production.  Special rates for children are available for afternoon, evening and weekend performances by calling Barter’s Box Office at (276) 628-3991.