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July 9, 2005
REVIEW: 'Beauty and the Beast' is Must-See Children's Theatre
by Chris Spencer
Huntington News Network Photographer
Huntington, WV (HNN) - Huntington Outdoor Theatre's Production of
"Beauty and the Beast," is a must see. The show that opened
Friday evening, July 8, 2005 at the Ritter Park Amphitheater may be the best
Locally-produced theatre show to ever come out of the Tri-State.
Certainly one of the best.
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The local talent is outstanding in this production. The acting is incredible. The dancing is excellent with gorgeous costumes on good looking girls and guys.
The beautiful and vocally talented Courtney White plays the Belle. She is stunning. Ryan Hardiman plays his role well being the beast. Gaston is played by Jonathan Caudill and is convincing in his part. Clint McElroy portrays Maurice in an excellent way.
This show keeps your attention. There is a tense sword fight scene between the Beast and Gaston on a narrow ledge that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. One of them falls off. A few pyro technics will lift you out of your seat if you are not ready. There are some intense emotional scenes too.
The show at times actually leaves the stage coming within inches of the audience. A lot of the theatre takes place to the right of the stage as the audience faces the stage. If you want to be close sit on the right side.
The perfect temperature weather brought in a full house for the opening presentation and they approved this show with a lot of applause and a standing ovation at the conclusion.
"Beauty and the Beast" is an incredible show. For a local production on a limited budget the quality is of the highest caliber. Huntington's Outdoor Theatre production company led by President Helen Hage Freeman and Vice President Patti Shaver have done an outstanding job in their 13th. year. Don't miss this one.
Performances are scheduled for July 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and the last performance date ends on July 31. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors and $12.00 for children (5-12). For more information call 304-523-8080.
The children's Pre-Show starts at 7 p.m. with "Beauty and the Beast," starting at 8:30 p.m. The entire evening for both shows runs about four hours.
