'Beauty and the Beast'

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre will open its first production of the season, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” on Sept. 22. The show will run over two weekends, with performances on Sept. 23, 29, 30 and Oct. 1.

“Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. There is a time limit, too: once a magical rose loses all of its petals, all hope will be lost and he will stay a Beast forever. The Beast’s enchanted household, populated by characters such as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip, watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another. Their feelings grow ever deeper as the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose. Will they confess their love for one another before it is too late? The memorable score features “Beauty and The Beast,” “Be Our Guest,” “There’s Something There,” “Gaston” and more.

Performances will be given at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22, 23, 29 and 30, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 1.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Box Office one hour prior to performances. Regular ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and $8 for children younger than 10. This production is appropriate for all ages.

To get tickets or for more information, call 406-837-4886, email bpct@bigforksummerplayhouse.com or visit http://bigforksummerplayhouse.com/childrens-theatre.