From left, Josie Watson as Beauty, Ryan Stanley as Merchant, Brianna Arledge as Haughtense and Aris O’Dell as Dyspeppsia
OBU's Theatre Department Presents “The Masque of Beauty and the Beast”
February 22, 2024
OBU's Theatre Department is set to entertain audiences with their latest production, "The Masque of Beauty and the Beast," by Michael Brill, directed by John Dement and featuring a talented cast and crew.
Plan now to attend this special production at the Black Box Theatre in the Sarkeys Center on March 8-9 at 7:30 p.m., with additional matinee showings on March 9-10 at 2:30 p.m.
Set in a mystical world reminiscent of 16th-century France, "The Masque of Beauty and the Beast" promises to transport audiences into a realm where family and love triumph over adversity. With sprightly dialogues, varied characterization and a poetic handling of the classic tale, this production offers a fresh take on the timeless story.
Director John Dement shared his enthusiasm for the adaptation.
" ‘The Masque of Beauty and the Beast’ is a beautiful retelling of the classic story,” Dement said. “While you never meet Lumiere and we never invite you to ‘Be Our Guest,’ Michael Brill's poetic verse adaptation has an enchanted atmosphere that charms every audience member. From the magical opening in a ‘gentle, misty vale’ to the ‘tinseled dreams’ that close the night, you will be charmed by Beauty, her father, her two jealous and evil sisters, and, of course, the cursed Beast, who is redeemed by Beauty's love.”
The production boasts an array of magical moments that are sure to captivate an audience ranging from 13 years old and up. Tickets for the performance are priced at $12 for adults and $5 for students/children and can be purchased online.
Attendees can expect an immersive experience that celebrates the transformative power of love and the triumph of the human spirit. Don't miss your chance to witness this enchanting tale come to life on stage.
The cast includes Josie Watson as Beauty, Jesse Field as Beast, Aris O’Dell as Dyspeppsia, Brianna Arledge as Haughtense, Ryan Stanley as Merchant, Madeline Carlson as Narrator, Reese Janik as Bank Solicitor, Sierra Graham as Golden Grotesque, Noel Ingram as Silver Grotesque, Noel Elliot as Green Grotesque and Isabella Ricci as Burgundy Grotesque.
The production crew is comprised of Stage Director John Dement, Technical Director C. Alex Webster, Stage Manager Joshua McCleskey, Deck Crew Chief/Assistant Stage Manager Alex Wheeler, Costume Assistant Brianna Arledge, Props Assistant Brynne Whitaker, Scenic Painting Assistant Sierra Graham, Electrics Assistant Aris O’Dell, Scenic Assistant Drew Rohrbach, and Marketing and House Manager Jordyn Clinton.