Disney's Beauty and the Beast

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California State University, Chico’s School of the Arts presents the spring musical Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, held Thursday–Saturday, May 2–4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday, May 4–5 at 2 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium. Tickets are available at the University Box Office, 530-898-6333.

“This is a Broadway Musical that’s fun for the whole family,” said Matthew Teague Miller, director and Department of Music and Theatre faculty member.

A cruel, vain prince and his servants are cursed by an enchantress after he denies her a place to stay the night. She turns the prince into a gruesome beast and he has until the last petal of his rose falls to fall in love with a woman and have her return that love, or he will remain a beast forever.

The goal of the original Broadway production design was to make the animated film come to life. In doing so, the show won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design. Costume designer Sandy Barton has grand design plans for Chico State’s rendition of the show as well.

“It takes a certain kind of magical creativity to turn an actor into a singing candlestick or clock.  The inventive spirit of costume designer Sandy Barton makes her the perfect person to tackle this adventure,” Miller said.

Involved in the other aspects of design are set designer Brian Redfern, light designer Mike Johnson, choreographer Megan Glynn Zollinger, choreography rehearsal assistant Sarah Delgado and conductor Dara Scholz.

Miller described both the set and costumes as being “larger than life.” The goal of these two design elements is to bring the magical and transformational spirit of the show to life. Costuming will be complex, with all cast members needing multiple costumes suitable for quick costume changes. A third of the costumes will be made from scratch, a third will be revamped from existing stock, and a third will be purchased.

Incredible choreography will be utilized in the show-stopping number “Be Our Guest.” The orchestra will consist of 11 players on the following instruments: violin, cello, string bass, flute/piccolo, oboe/English horn, bass clarinet/clarinet, trumpet, French horn, piano, synthesizer and percussion.

“The most challenging part of this show is the sheer scale of the production. It’s a giant score, with elaborate sets, costumes, light, and choreography,” Miller said. “It’s rare that a show is big on every single front.”

Also taking on the enormity of this production is the cast. Student cast members include: Nicole Stanley, Branden Price, Z Hansen, Oliver Loll, Eric Collins, Kathryn Aarons, Emily Beets, Alley Singer, Marlene Bruce, Kelsey Campbell, Mariah McDonald, Casey Schneider, Raymundo Ballejos, Juan Bolanos, Leif Bramer, Brandon Burchard, Jake Honnold, Matthew Stone, Ilana Greenberg, Jessie Grimaldo, Sofia Gutierrez, Jenna Kitzes, Caroline Krolicki and Julia Locke. The role of Maurice has been filled by honors professor John Mahoney, and the role of Chip has been doublecast with child actresses Amalia Brown and Allison Scott.

These challenges will be worth it, though, as the enchanted designs and the acting will bring the Disney classic to life at Chico State for both the child and the child at heart.

“People who grew up with the Disney film and have children now will really enjoy being able to share this magical musical with their families,” Miller said.

Department chair Bradley Martin chose Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as this year’s spring musical because he felt that this musical was right for current theatre students and that it’d be a great opportunity to share the magic of theatre with local Chico children. This viewpoint is shared by Miller as well.

“I’m most excited to sit back on opening night and see children of all ages walk into the theatre wide-eyed and excited,” Miller said. “I think people will really enjoy this production.”

Tickets for the musical are priced at $20 adults, $18 seniors, and $8 students and youth, and are available to purchase at CSU, Chico’s University Box Office, 530-898-6333.

For those who need special seating accommodations, please call 530-898-6333. More information is available online at the School of the Arts websiteand Facebook page.

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Story by Shelby Casey, School of the Arts publicity assistant

CSU, Chico’s School of the Arts presents the Spring Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Performances take place Thursday–Saturday, May 2–5 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday, May 5–6 at 2 p.m. in Laxson Auditorium. Purchase tickets at the University Box Office or by calling 530-898-6333.

CSU, Chico’s production will be directed by Matthew Teague Miller.

Based on the 1991 animated film, Beauty and the Beast marks the first of Disney’s Broadway stage adaptations. It is seen as Broadway’s first legitimate family show and has brought about a new generation of younger theatregoers.

The plot of the musical resembles that of the film. A cruel, vain prince denies an enchantress a place to stay because of her ugly appearance. She casts a curse, turning him into a beast and his servants into household objects. He has until the last petal falls on his rose to fall in love with a woman and have her return that love, or he will remain a beast forever. Changes include additional songs, with music by Allen Menken (who worked on the film) and lyrics by Tim Rice (film lyricist Howard Ashman had passed away). Linda Woolverton, who wrote the film’s storyline, also wrote the musical’s book. She expanded on the Beast’s characterization and storylines for the castle staff. She also has the servants gradually transform into inanimate objects rather than an immediate transformation, with death the result of a complete transformation.

The musical premiered in Houston, Texas, as a joint production of Theatre Under The Stars and Disney Theatrical on November 28, 1993, and ran until December 26 of that year. It was transferred to Broadway, opening April 18, 1994. It closed July 29, 2007, because The Little Mermaid was set to open. It became the 10th longest-running production in Broadway history.

The Broadway show was directed by Robert Jess Roth and choreographed by Matt West. Roth was chosen both because of his success directing shows at Disney theme park and because Disney CEO Michael Eisner wanted to maintain creative control. Ann Hould-Ward did costuming, and was allowed creative freedom. Her designs are a combination of the animators’ original designs and the Rococo art movement of the 18th century. Stanley Meyer’s set design is a literal interpretation of the film, as his instructions were “to make the animated film come to life.” Production costs estimated $12 million officially, although some people estimate the cost to be closer to $20 million, making it the most costly Broadway musical at the time.

Beauty and the Beast was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and won Best Costume Design. At the Houston opening, critics described it as one of the year’s finest musicals and noted its Broadway potential. However, The New York Times called the Broadway show “a great spectacle, but not great theater” because the elaborate set design and costuming “left little to the imagination.” Despite this, the musical famously resonated with the public and families, as children loved seeing their favorite movie performed onstage.

The goal of the costuming for CSU, Chico’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, is to bring the magical and transformational spirit of the show to life. Heading this effort is CSU, Chico costume designer Sandy Barton.

“It takes a certain kind of magical creativity to turn an actor into a singing candlestick or clock. The inventive spirit of costume designer Sandy Barton makes her the perfect person to tackle this adventure,” said Matthew Teague Miller, director and Department of Music and Theatre faculty member.

Barton’s costume design team includes herself as well as one staff member and six students.

There is great complexity in the costuming of the characters, with 26 cast members requiring multiple costumes each. Additionally, costumes must be suitable for quick costume changes.

Not all costumes will have to be constructed from scratch, as there is an existing stock of costumes from a previous production that will be utilized for a third of the needed costumes. However, even the existing costumes need updating.

“The entire show is being revamped and elevated along with a new ensemble of costumes for ‘Be Our Guest,’” Barton said.

Barton’s favorite costumes to design have been the enchanted objects, as they require thoughtful interpretation to tell the story of the characters and the musical as a whole. She is excited to see her designs come to life on Laxson’s stage.

“It will be an affordable evening of magical entertainment for all ages,” Barton said.

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Story by Shelby Casey, School of the Arts publicity assistant

“This was an incredibly difficult show to cast due to the size of the company and the incredible interest and number of actors who auditioned,” said Matthew Teague Miller, director and Department of Music and Theatre faculty member. “Auditions spanned over three days and included two callbacks and a dance show. Ultimately, we were able to put together an incredible company.”

Featured in the musical are student cast members Nicole Stanley (Belle); Branden Price (Beast); Z Hansen (Gaston); Oliver Loll (Lumiere); Eric Collins (Cogsworth); Kathryn Aarons (Mrs. Potts); Emily Beets (Babette); Alley Singer (Wardrobe); Marlene Bruce, Kelsey Campbell, and Mariah McDonald (Silly Girls); Casey Schneider (Lefou); Raymundo Ballejos, Juan Bolanos, Leif Bramer, Brandon Burchard, Jake Honnold, Matthew Stone, Ilana Greenberg, Jessie Grimaldo, Sofia Gutierrez, Jenna Kitzes, Caroline Krolicki and Julia Locke (Ensemble). The role of Maurice has been filled by professor John Mahoney, and an open call community audition for actors ages 7–11 was held March 4 to fill the role of Chip. Amalia Brown and Allison Scott were chosen for the part.

Nicole Stanley, previously cast in A Charlie Brown Christmas and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, says she feels honored to play the role of Belle. She appreciates Belle’s strong-willed attitude and relates to Belle in that she was considered different in high school due her love of musical theatre rather than sports. She can’t wait to see how the magic of the musical comes to life.

“I had my costume fitting the other day and got to put on THE yellow dress. I just about cried, I was so happy,” Stanley said.

Z Hansen, in his final semester at CSU, Chico, will be playing the role of Gaston. Hansen has been in five previous shows at CSU, Chico, including Our House, Avenue Q, American Idiot, Really Really, and Into the Woods. In this role, he has the opportunity to partake in stage combat for the first time, which he looks forward to.

“Gaston is described as a braggy, dim-witted ‘ladies man,’” Hansen said. “I love playing ‘dim-witted’ characters!”

Kathryn Aarons (Mrs. Potts) has been in three prior shows at CSU, Chico including American Idiot, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Into the Woods. She loves listening to the score of the musical and describes her role as Mrs. Potts as fitting because of their mutual love of tea. She has been watching a lot of British television in order to accustom herself to the accent.

“The absolute best part of this role is getting to work with the two fabulous young actresses playing Chip! They are both so much fun in the rehearsal room and they are simply precious,” Aarons said.

John Mahoney (Maurice), an honors professor in the biological sciences department, has been involved in prior productions at CSU, Chico. He played Dr. Pangloss in the opera Candide last fall and played guitar in the orchestra for The Addams Family.

"Our entire cast is so extremely talented I can PROMISE we will not disappoint," Stanley said.

The cast has described Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as being a grand, magical musical.

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast is a big show. Big costumes. Big sets. Big dance-y ensemble numbers. It will be grand!" Hansen described. "There are professional companies that don't put on performances of this quality."

“It’s such a feel-good musical with a majestic score, I can almost guarantee you’ll leave with a giant smile that lasts all week!” Aarons said.

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Story by Shelby Casey, School of the Arts publicity assistant

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a Broadway musical adapted from the animated film. CSU, Chico’s production will stay true to the Broadway production, which ran for 13 years and garnered many Tony nominations and won Best Costume Design.

Matthew Teague Miller, director and Department of Music and Theater faculty member, described the set design as “spectacular.”

Miller collaborated with Brian Redfern, CSU, Chico set designer and Department of Music and Theatre faculty member, to bring the magical Broadway musical to life on the Laxson Auditorium stage.

The set design is intricate with a large quantity of moveable furniture pieces and props. A team of 20 students were assigned, under the direction of Scenic Shop Manager Pete Austin, to make the set come to life. They worked as carpenters, electricians, and set and scenic painters. The set with its multiple painted backdrops will amaze with its dark and rich tones.

In regards to scale, the theater production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast surpasses any CSU, Chico theatre production ever done, noted Miller.

“The production value, including the set, of our production of Beauty and the Beast rivals that of any professional theatre company in the area” Miller said.

Creating a musical theater production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was extremely challenging due to the cinematic construction of the play, and it being one of the largest and most difficult musicals to ever be written, said Miller.

“The challenge of creating all of the locations was very difficult and fluid scene changes will continue to be a challenge,” Miller added.

Miller described working on the set production in one word: “relentless.” 

Despite the level of difficulty the production brought to the table, Miller and Redfern were able to effectively collaborate to bring their intricate set design to the stage.

“I asked Brian to make this set as magical as the timeless story, and he has accomplished that and more,” Miller said. 

Anyone attending this play will encounter feelings of nostalgia and wonder brought on, in part, by the set design.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a big show. Big costumes. Big sets. Big dance-y ensemble numbers. It will be grand!” said Z Hansen, who plays Gaston in the production.

For best seats people are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

Tickets for the show, at $20 adults, $18 seniors, and $8 students and youth, are available at CSU, Chico's University Box Office, 530-898-6333, and at the door.

Laxson Auditorium is CSU, Chico’s largest performance venue with a capacity of 1,200. It is located on the corner of First and Salem Streets, and the entrance faces Kendall Hall. It boasts state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and counterweight systems.

Information about special seating accommodations is available by calling 530-898-6333. For more information about the production visit the School the Arts website and Facebook page.

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Story by Tashia Jones, School of the Arts publicity assistant

The musical contains all of the music from the animated film by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new pieces by Menken and Tim Rice. The vast number of songs gives the orchestra a major presence in this production. You may recognize many of the songs including Be Our Guest, Beauty and the Beast, and Belle.

“I believe the music will convey feelings of happiness, excitement, fear, sadness, and especially hope,” Dara Scholz, music director and Department of Music and Theatre faculty member said. 

The orchestra consists of 11 hired musicians, including Kevin Anderson (keyboard 1), Mary Lou Lim (keyboard 2), Barbara D'Augelli (flute/piccolo), Susie Lundberg (oboe/English horn), Ryan Heimlich (bass clarinet/clarinet), Ayako Nakamura (trumpet), Kathryn Hawkins (French horn), Trevor Lloyd (violin), Kimberly Bruder (cello), Greg D'Augelli (string bass), and Patrick Manning (percussion). The orchestra will be conducted by Scholz.

The rehearsal process for the music began with an intense one week-long period of solely music rehearsal for the actors. Scholz then held two rehearsals for orchestra parts only. Next, there was a “sitzprobe” (from the German phrase for “seated rehearsal”), where the actors and orchestra rehearsed together to become familiar with each other’s parts. There were three subsequent dress rehearsals the orchestra took part in. 

“It’s an intense, but fun and exciting process,” Scholz said.

Scholz describes the musical as having something in it for everyone. She is especially excited for children to see it.

“My seven-year-old son has had the opportunity to attend a few rehearsals, and I have enjoyed hearing his belly laughs at certain sections of the musical,” said Scholz. "Families will love it; it is a show not to be missed!"

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Story by Shelby Casey, School of the Arts publicity assistant

Matthew Teague Miller currently serves as producing artistic director of the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, a professional equity summer theatre in Clinton, Iowa.  His favorite productions include the Iowa Premieres of Disney’s Newsies and The Bridges of Madison County, as well as Les Miserables, Green Day’s American Idiot, Reefer Madness, Damn Yankees and Recent Tragic Events. Professional directing credits include work at Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Lincoln Theatre Napa Valley, Timber Lake Playhouse, Triad Stage and others. As an actor, Miller spent three years touring the country with the original Broadway production of Les Miserables, where he worked under Tony Award-winning director Trevor Nunn and Tony Award-nominated director Jason Moore and performed alongside Colm Wilkinson in his final performance as Jean Valjean. Miller received his MFA in directing from University of North Carolina, Greensboro and his BFA in musical theatre from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Miller is a member of Actor's Equity Association and on the Executive Council of Musical Theatre Education Alliance International.