The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation’s Junior Theater Company returns for its fourth summer season to present Disney s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. with performances through August 20. The junior version is adapted from a book by Linda Woolverton and the Disney Theatrical Productions show that premiered on Broadway in 1994, featuring a beloved score by musical theatre legends Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. The Dreamland s talented cast of 53 children between the ages of 5 to 14 will perform this iconic tale on The Dreamland s main stage.
The story follows a book-loving heroine, Belle, the only person who can save a prince from spending eternity as an unsightly beast, a harsh punishment for his own unkindness. If Belle can somehow fall in love with the Beast in time, he and his entire household will return to their hreturn to their human selves. If she cannot, they ll forever be trapped in his castle as beast and inanimate objects such as furniture, dishes, and cutlery.
The production is directed by Jimmy Calitri, a newcomer to both The Dreamland and Nantucket. Calitri is an adjunct faculty member and director in the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College theatre departments. Musical direction is by pianist and composer Edward Barton, with choreography by Vanessa Calantropo, a mainstay of Nantucket’s theatre scene.
Tiffany Gallo, The Dreamland s education coordinator, serves as producer of Disney s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Gallo remarked, We re thrilled to bring this play to life and to give kids in our community a chance to perform such an amazing musical on our main stage. It’s an ambitious production, but we re always eager to create greater experiences for both kids and audiences and this could be the best yet!
Performances are on the main stage in the Dreamland Theater, 17 South Water Street, on August 15, 16, 19, and 20 at 5:30 pm, with one matinee on Sunday, August 18 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children and seniors. They may be purchased at www.nantucketdreamland.org or directly at the Dreamland box office which opens every day at noon during the summer. These performances are general seating and the house will open at 5:00pm.
The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation is dedicated to enriching the cultural and intellectual life of Nantucket by providing year-round films, educational programs, and a venue for activities that engage Nantucket in the evolving world of digital entertainment and education in one of America s oldest theaters. With a rich history dating back over 180 years, the Dreamland has been lovingly restored through the generous donations of private donors as the arts, education, cultural, and community center of Nantucket. Stay up to date with the Dreamland s schedule of movies, music, comedy, and more at www.nantucketdreamland.org .