Theater starts season with a roar

'Beauty and the Beast' kicks off shows at state park

SPECIAL TO VIEWKari Curletto will star as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" at Super Summer Theatre. Advertisement

It's a tale as old as time. Well, with a twist.

With singing dinnerware, dancing candlesticks, a moody beast and an enchanted castle, Walt Disney Pictures' animated depiction of the classic fairytale "Beauty and the Beast" was turned into a Broadway musical 14 years ago.

The musical production will be part of this year's lineup for Spring Mountain Ranch State Park's Super Summer Theatre series with performances beginning at 8 p.m. June 4-7, 11-14 and 18-21.

The production will feature elaborate sets and detailed, inventive costuming, according to director and producer Philip Shelburne.

"We put our own spin on the play, obviously, but have stayed very true to the Disney version," he said. "Down to the costumes. Characters will appear in the enchanted castle as they did in the film. The actress playing Mrs. Potts will be dressed as a teakettle. The costumes, really, are pure artistry."

According to Shelburne, the construction of the production's complicated sets have presented the most frustrating challenges to date, but he believes audiences will appreciate the extra effort.

"It takes a lot to put on a show this large in scale, and to take it on, and do it originally in terms of design, is a lofty goal," he said. "But I think it will be well worth it."

More than 200 local actors auditioned for the show, a casting process that Shelburne called exhausting.

"Everyone we saw was very talented, but in the end, I chose the people that I felt worked best together," he said. "It's about chemistry."

Local actor Sevyn Mindoro was cast as the Beast, and while he admits to being a fan of the film, he said playing the part of the fallen prince has given him a new appreciation for the character.

"One of the main challenges is staying true to the character first portrayed by Disney, but exploring the character even further and trying to delve deeper into his psyche," Mindoro said. "I was a big fan to begin with, but exploring this character, there are so many complex, deep issues inside of this character that I'd never thought about before. I try to make him very three-dimensional, and that can be challenging."

With soaring musical numbers and a host of fanciful characters, Shelburne said he believes that the show will be one of the most successful in the series' history.

"We expect a great family turnout," he said. "The outdoor setting lends itself to the enchantment of the evening."

Mindoro said that fans of the film will be satisfied with the production, but also will walk away feeling as though they have heard the story for the first time.

"I think that the production will definitely exceed people's expectations," he said.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased by calling 895-2787 or visiting www.unlvtickets.com.