Published: August 13, 2008 05:05 pm            

THEATER: Artpark to host ‘beastly’ show

By Alyssa Harpst



Looking to once again one-up itself, Artpark’s self-produced take on “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” begins its two-weekend run tonight.

The production, directed by Randall Kramer and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, will feature 11 performances of the Tony Award-nominated musical.

Carolann M. Sanita will play the role of Belle in her Artpark debut, having previously performed in many regional and off-Broadway productions, and Michael Hunsaker will take the stage as the Beast, returning to Artpark after performing in last year’s production of “Aida.”

This particular show contains the most credentialed cast in nine seasons of producing musicals, according to Artpark president George Osborne. That is largely due to the fact that the facility’s board has allotted more resources for musical productions over the past few years.

Though this production may not take place in a flashy city, the anticipation for its debut is no less palpable then that of a Broadway performance, as the show features many Broadway-seasoned actors straight from New York City. And ticket sales are flourishing, according to Michael Freedman, director of communications at Artpark.

“We have already sold over 12,000 tickets,” he said, “besting the 10,000 (plus) that were purchased for last year’s production of ‘Aida,’ and we were pleased with last summer’s figures for that particular show.”

Based on the 1991 Disney animated feature, “Beauty and the Beast” is set in a French provincial town where Belle lives with her father Maurice, a not-so-successful inventor. After he fails to return home from a trip to the local fair, Belle sets off to find him. Alarmed in discovering he is being held captive in a castle by an awful beast, she trades her freedom for his, and the magic of the story begins.

Featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, the charming story has captivated audiences for more than 10 years.

Premiering on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in 1994, the show broke box office records for single-day ticket sales and was nominated for several awards that same year, including a Tony for Best Musical.

Menken and Rice came together to write an additional seven songs for the stage production, and “Human Again,” a song with lyrics by Ashman originally meant for the film version, was restored and added for the stage show. In addition, the song “A Change In Me” was added when pop singer Toni Braxton played the part of Belle on Broadway in 1998. The show closed in 2007 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre after more than 5,000 performances, and became Broadway’s sixth-longest running production to date.

Work began on this year’s show almost as soon as last season ended. The cast and crew was culled from several local sources as well as multiple casting calls in New York City in an effort to get the best people possible.

“This is a wonderful company,” Kurdziel-Formato said. “It’s such a lovely show, and it’s been a joyful process. I’m excited about opening night.

“There have been times when I’m watching rehearsals and some scenes are so beautiful they actually bring me to tears. The costumes are beautiful, and the characters have such strong voices and are great dancers. I couldn’t ask for more.”

The show is one the entire family can enjoy, Kurdziel-Formato said.

“I hope Western New York audiences continue to support Artpark,” she said. “It’s truly a jewel in the theater community.”

        

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