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Thursday, November 22, 2012

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST



(Georgina Mabbett as Belle and Sascha Halbhuber as the Beast. Pic by Val Adamson)

Following the sold-out successes of their recent family Christmas productions, such as Snow White, Robin Hood and Peter Pan, KickstArt are preparing their biggest, most ambitious project yet: a dazzling production of Disney’s enchanting musical, Beauty and the Beast.

This multi award-winning show brings to life the beloved "tale as old as time" with a burst of theatrical magic, following the story of a small-town girl who is taken prisoner by a reclusive Beast, who is actually a human prince under a spell. With music by Alan Menken (Enchanted, Tangled and Pocahontas) and lyrics by Howard Ashman (who collaborated with Menken on Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid) and Tim Rice (The Lion King, Joseph), this musical hits all the right notes as perfect entertainment for the whole family.

Heading the cast will be the sparkling Georgina Mabbett as Belle, the beautiful title character, and the brooding but romantic Beast of the title will be played by Sascha Halbhuber, who last astounded Durban with his talents as Emcee in KickstArt’s Cabaret.

Lyle Buxton plays the fiendishly handsome villain of the story, Gaston, with Rory Booth as his idiotic sidekick, Lefou. The enchanted occupants of the Beast’s castle include Charon Williams Ros as the kindly tea pot, Mrs Potts, Bryan Hiles as the debonair French candelabra, LumiĆ©re, Liesl Coppin as the saucy feather duster, Babette, and Darren King as the fusty old mantle clock, Cogsworth. Peter Court plays Belle’s eccentric inventor father, Maurice.

The spectacle will be directed by Steven Stead, with sets and costumes designed by Greg King. Choreography will be by Janine Bennewith, musical direction by Shelley MacLean, and lighting design by Tina le Roux.

The show will run from November 30 to January 6 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, with performances Tuesdays to Thursdays as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 14h30, Fridays and Saturdays at 19h00. Tickets range from R100 to R200. Book at Computicket.

There will be special schools’ performances scheduled at 11h00 on November 28, 29 and 30, and December 6 with tickets at R60 per pupil. Bookings for these performances through the KickstArt office at kickstart@letni.co.za

For block bookings of ten or more, and for early bird group bookings specials for bookings before December 1 contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Place on 083 250 2690 or email: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com