Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Performances to Celebrate Acceptance, Kindness, and Inclusivity
The cast and crew of an upcoming holiday production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are set to put an enchanting new spin on the tale as old as time!
The Olney Theatre Center in Maryland has just announced its casting – and plans – for their upcoming holiday revival production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The classic Disney tale has been slowly making a long-awaited return to the stage in 2021 with a UK tour, and we’re very excited to see it in the US, too.
Leading the cast at Olney is Helen Hayes Award-nominated Jade Jones, who will star as the beautiful Belle. Opposite her, playing the Beast, will be Evan Ruggiero, who has previously been nominated for a Drama Desk Award.
Theater fans may be familiar with Ruggiero, an inspirational cancer survivor and amputee with impressive tap dancing skills!
I accept your challenge @A_Step_Ahead_PO #BottleCapChallenge #amputee pic.twitter.com/g29I6PYtjx
— Evan Ruggiero (@Lord_PegLeg) July 11, 2019
The production is set to be directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge. As reported by Theater Mania, Dodge is planning on re-evaluating the meaning of beauty through the production, and making it an accepting celebration for all, saying:
“Our production celebrates community, authenticity, acceptance, and kindness; and with the help of a few magic spells, provides a thoroughly inclusive, 2021 ‘Happily Ever After.'”
We have no doubt that these goals will shine through this new production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which will no doubt enchant audiences when it debuts later this year.
Also starring in the show will be Michael Burrell, Bobby Smith, Dylan Arredondo, John Sygar, Iyona Blake, Miranda Pepin, Jessica Lauren Ball, Sasha Olinick and Hailey Ibberson.
The production will feature Alan Menken’s original score, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It’s a classic!
The show will run at the Olney Theatre Center from November 5th through January 2nd, and tickets are available to purchase now from the theater’s website.
This will no doubt be a stunning production to watch over the holiday season, and we can’t wait to hear more about it!
Featured Image Credit: Olney Theatre Center