Fremont Street Theater to stage 'Beauty and the Beast'

Fremont Street Theater Company will present Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., in Palatine.

The show opens Friday, Sept. 8, with a catered gala following the show. Performances continue through Sunday, Sept. 17. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," an international sensation. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all the songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, including "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast," along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice.

The original Broadway production ran for more than 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.

If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

The show is directed by Fremont Street Theater Company artistic director Madeline Franklin. Choreographer is Kara Williams Posmer and musical director is Ken McMullen. Set design is by Brett Baleskie and costume design is by Marcy Angsurat.

Tickets, $21 for adults or $19 for students and seniors, can be purchased at Cutting Hall during box office hours, 3-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; by calling the box office at (847) 202-5222; or online at http://fremontstreettheater.com/.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $2 more.