How home furnishings come alive in 'Beauty and the Beast'

Turning a monster into a handsome prince in an animated film is one thing.

Doing the same with a real actor in a live stage play is something else entirely.

The transformation in the Disney musical "Beauty and the Beast" is only one of many reasons why the film is a challenge to adapt, Schaumburg On Stage founder and co-director Carol Lynch says.

The youth theater ensemble's production of the musical will debut at Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts on Friday.

Not only are the sets and human costumes elaborate, but there's the issue of turning other actors, singers and dancers into enchanted household objects like napkins, clocks and footstools.

Such costumes can't normally be rented anyway, but Schaumburg On Stage really wanted to put a lot of effort into them.

"We really tried to make people look like objects and not just dancers in costume," Lynch said. "No one looks human on the stage. They really look like champagne bottles and other things."

Lighting effects and other tricks have also been improvised to realize the on-stage special effect of the Beast's metamorphosis, Lynch said.

One of the surprises of the show was just how popular it was going to be among potential cast members. So many came out to audition the musical ended up with a cast of 82 young people.

Not only has the popular role of Chip been double cast with two sisters, but there are 22 other teacups that come out and dance with him when he's introduced.

"Every year we try to choose something the kids want to be in that has family appeal," Lynch said. "For Schaumburg On Stage, 90 percent of being successful has been in choosing the right show."