SFA to open 'Beauty and the Beast' during holiday weekend

SFA Associate Professor Angela Bacarisse, right, discusses with Galveston junior Molly Brown the alterations that need to be made to the servant costume for the upcoming production of "Beauty and the Beast." The SFA School of Theatre will open the family-friendly show at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 2, in W.M. Turner Auditorium and present it six more times within a 13-day period as a part of the university's summer theatre season.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Recognizing that the upcoming three-day weekend translates to extended quality time together for many East Texans, the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre invites families to attend one of three performances of "Beauty and the Beast" being offered at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 2, and at 2 and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, in W.M. Tuner Auditorium.

"The entire family will enjoy this timeless tale of love and adventure," said SFA Professor Scott Shattuck, the show's director. "The girls will identify with strong, smart Belle, the boys will be intrigued by the beast, and everyone will enjoy Belle's hilariously zany siblings, not to mention the spectacular costumes and sets."

Written by American playwright Constance Congdon for the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, Minn., the 75-minute play is based on the traditional French fairy tale. SFA's production includes original music composed by Aden Kent Ramsey, SFA graduate student from Lufkin.

The play is one of two productions included in SFA's summer theatre season that runs through Saturday, July 17. It will be presented four more times: at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, and Thursday, July 8; at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13; and at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14.

All seats for "Beauty and the Beast" are $6, or $5 each for groups of 20 or more.

The other show included in the summer theatre season is the musical revue "Side by Side by Sondheim," which opened Friday, June 25, in W.M. Turner Auditorium and will be offered again at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 9; Saturday, July 10; and Friday, July 16. Matinees at 2 p.m. will be presented on Sunday, July 11; and Saturday, July 17.

Tickets for "Side by Side by Sondheim" are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. The show includes some adult language.

The season is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Theatre. W.M. Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Dr.

For tickets or more information on either "Beauty and the Beast" or "Side by Side by Sondheim," please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.