SAN ANGELO, Texas — Disney's iconic "Beauty and the Beast" has been a household name since it first hit theaters in 1991.
Starting Sept. 9, a live musical production of the show will take place at Angelo Civic Theatre with nine performance dates throughout the month.
The show is set to run until Sept. 25 and director Cameron O'Brient is working hard alongside the cast and crew to make it all possible.
"I want people to have fun," he said.
O'Brient said auditions took place over a two-day period beginning July 18.
"They came in and sang for the music director and myself," he said.
The assistant director taught choreography during auditions while O'Brient focused on singing. On the second day of the audition process, acting was the main focus.
"You have to start looking at which Belle has chemistry with which Beast and who you can get to portray the parts how you're envisioning them being portrayed," he said.
75 community members auditioned and O'Brient was constantly making changes before the cast list became official.
The full cast includes 28 people and rehearsal started July 25. "And we've been rehearsing every week, almost every day since then."
Rehearsals run Monday-Friday for three hours each day, adding up to 15 hours total each week.
O'Brient wants to make the experience enjoyable for both the cast and the audience.
"It's the film that people grew up with and they know and they like, and I just want to bring back a little of that nostalgia and let them relive their childhood on stage or let them see it again in a new light," he said.
Theatre fans can expect two additional shows through the end of the 2022 season and even more to come.
Go to angelocivictheatre to buy tickets or to learn more.
