By Julie Johansen
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” was presented on stage by the Emery County Community Theater at the Emery High auditorium Thursday through Monday evenings, March 17-20.
This story is thousands of years old. It began as a production on Broadway in 1994 and was then nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. The Emery County production was directed by Sarah Wolford, assisted by Angela Paskett as stage manager. Tasha Jewkes performed as Belle and the Beast was played by Andrew Pehrson.
Other cast members included Kenneth Clarson as Gaston, Wayne Roberts as Maurice (Belle’s father), Amanda Bennett as LeFou, Tricia Erickson as Mrs. Potts and Echo White as Chip. The narration was read by John Hughes.
The cast was large and included many young actors. The forest scene was portrayed on the scrim and large, stage-consuming sets were designed by Allisha Hughes for the castle and the town. The costumes were from the Riverton Arts Council, Lisa Farley and Angela Paskett.
