Theater group to stage 'Beauty and the Beast'

Students ages 8 to 18 of Christian Youth Theater- Kane County will present Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Thursday; 9:30, 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

A bookworm by nature, the lovely young Belle dreams of adventure and loathes her ordinary life. When her father disappears, she stumbles into an enchanted castle filled with talking objects, magic spells and a hideous Beast.

Surrendering her freedom, she learns that love is found in the strangest places, home is where the heart is and appearances aren't always as they seem.

Featuring showstoppers from the animated film such as "Be Our Guest" and "Gaston," as well as Broadway hits like "Home," "Beauty and the Beast" will enchant all ages.

The show runs about two hours with one intermission.

Christian Youth Theater is a nonprofit, educational theater arts program for students ages 6 to 18 in the Kane, Lake, McHenry, Northwest Cook, Rockford Metro and DuPage county areas. It has approximately 4,000 students per year.

Each area offers camps; classes in dance, voice, drama and specialties; and performs three fully-staged musical productions per year.

CYT is non-discriminatory and welcomes all children to participate in the programs. In 2006, CYT began the inclusion program, which assists children and adults with special needs to participate in the classes and productions.

For tickets, call (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org. Ticket prices are $8 to $12 pre-sale, $2 more at the door. Group, child, senior and school discounts are available.