Beauty and the Beast (2024)

	Beauty and the Beast
	Beauty and the Beast promotional image
Production Details
Dates	28 June–7 July 2024
Venue	The Tower Theatre
Director	Michelle Hartley
Writer	Book by Linda Woolverton · Music by Alan Menken · Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Producer	Natalie Holness
Musical Director	Andy Hartley
Choreographer	Sophie Burgess-Adams
	Amateur production by arrangement with Music Theatre International

Beauty and the Beast
Disney's Musical · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone

The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society presented Disney's Beauty and the Beast, written by Linda Woolverton, on 28th June–7th July 2024 at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Synopsis

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is a magical and heartwarming musical based on the beloved fairy tale. When the intelligent and independent Belle takes her father's place as a prisoner in the castle of a mysterious Beast, she discovers a world of enchantment inhabited by magical household servants. As Belle looks beyond the Beast's frightening appearance, she uncovers a kind and lonely soul beneath the curse. With time running out before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose, the pair must learn the true meaning of love and acceptance. Featuring memorable songs including Be Our Guest and Beauty and the Beast, this timeless tale celebrates the power of compassion, inner beauty, and true love.

Foreword

I'm so excited to welcome you to 'Be Our Guest' at The Tower Theatre, and FHODS' production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide.

The 1991 animated film was always a favourite of mine as a child, with many moments that are close to my heart. The story was made even more special to me last year when my whole family went to Disneyland, and my brother, my nieces, my daughter and I were involved in an interactive show of Beauty and the Beast, where I played the Wardrobe, and my daughter played the horse, Phillipe, so it's only right that she plays an animal in this one too, but this time as a dog!

Working alongside my husband, Andy, as Musical Director has been wonderful. He is incredibly talented, and I definitely take him for granted. He has worked so hard with the cast, and I'm sure you'll agree they sound fantastic. Having our daughter, Sam, in the cast too has made it even more magical for us both.

I couldn't have wished for a more gifted cast and crew. Sophie's choreography is creative, fun and inspired, and the cast perform it brilliantly. Chris, our set designer and my 'Stage Pixie', has created an incredible set, and also solved every issue and request that I have thrown at him. He has spent a phenomenal amount of hours making it all possible. The rest of my production crew have been amazing, supportive and dedicated, and I can't thank them all enough.

My cast — my wonderful, wonderful cast. What a group of talented, committed, fantastic and truly lovely people. They have been on-point since day one, and are nothing short of astonishing. I can't wait for you to see the incredible performers and superb singers in this show — every single one of them has made me proud at every rehearsal, and kept me smiling.

A special mention must go to our Child Protection Officer, Karen, our Chaperones, our Front of House team and the parents of the children in the cast, all of whom have made this production possible.

And lastly, to you — the audience, for coming to FHODS and The Tower Theatre. Your support is appreciated more than you know. So enough waffle from me, and all that is left to say is please enjoy this 'tale as old as time' Disney classic.

Michelle Hartley, Director