Relive the Magic

March 20–May 3

Beauty and the Beast takes center stage this spring for DeSales University's Act III production, a colorful show that will draw in the young fairytale fiends of the family and serve them a fresh take.

Prince Philip has indeed been cursed, along with his household attendants, but he's not the only one with a lesson to learn. Bookish “Belinda” is a young woman who feels isolated from her world, whose own great intelligence alienates her from others. “She comes out of her shell as she befriends the prince, this incredibly vain person who doesn't see beyond his own desires,” says director Stephanie Hodge. It's a journey of growth for the two of them to look outside themselves and learn how much can be gained by giving.

Immersed in the black box experience with dynamic actors bringing a vivid storybook world to life, youngsters will forget their preconceptions of the tale, swept away by Act III's imagination. Given an $11,000 budget and a little faculty mentoring, the cast and crew of Act III are comprised of the DeSales' graduating senior class showing off their skills. Not only a chance to give back to the Lehigh Valley for attending DeSales' Act I productions throughout the year, it's a serious endeavor that gets their all, not despite but because it's theater for children. “Some have never seen live theater or felt an empathy for characters,” says Hodge. “That's what we need more of in this world than anything: empathy.”

So while it's delighting young and old alike with glitz, playful anachronism and an ‘80s soundtrack, this show will be rooted in the camaraderie and passion of a group dedicated to the integrity of a good show. Don't miss the post-performance, in-character autograph signing in the lobby, where kids can meet their favorite characters!