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Press Release: JPAS presents Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s Broadway Smash Hit BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is back by popular demand just in time for the holiday season! Disney’s animated masterpiece attains new life and depth in this Tony Award-winning stage version. Step into the enchanted world of this modern Broadway classic that includes all the wonderful songs from the movie, as well as new ones created especially for the live show. The JPAS Production of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is on stage Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2PM, November 28 through December 13, 2009 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox Street in Metairie. Tickets are $15 for children (12 and under), $20 for students (with valid ID), $25-30 for seniors (65+)/military and $30-35 for adults. Group Discounts for 10+ available! For tickets call 504.885.2000 or visit www.jpas.org.

Several performers return to reprise their enchanted roles in this year's production including Janet Shea (Mrs. Potts), Scott Sauber (Lumiere), Jeffrey Martorell (Cogsworth), Keith Warren (Gaston), Matias Grau III (Lefou), Edward R. Cox (Maurice) and Jennifer Delatte (Madame de La Grande Bouche). Making their JPAS debuts, Kirsten Carmody stars as Belle and John North stars as the Beast. Robert Mulholland returns to directs this production once again with choreography by Lynne M. Lawrence and musical direction by Alan Payne with the JPAS Broadway Pit Orchestra conducted byDennis G. Assaf.  For this season's production, JPAS is honored to have very special guest WWL TV anchor Sally Ann Roberts as the voice of theNarrator!

JPAS is pleased to welcome new faces and old friends to this talent-filled production. Making her JPAS debut, Kristen Carmody stars as Belle, the literature-loving ingénue. Carmody has performed regionally in such productions including WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), GREASE, DO BLACK LEATHER PATENT SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP? and CABARET.  She also has held lead and supporting roles in film, TV, commercials, industrials, and as a webhost spokesperson.

Playing the Beast is John North. North has appeared on several stages throughout the city, most recently as  Eddie/Dr. Scott in The Marigny Theatre's Production of ROCKY HORROR and John in Rivertown Rep's production of MISS SAIGON. In addition to performing, John is currently a teacher at Helen Cox High School in Harvey.

Keith Warren reprises his role as the menacingly hunky villain, Gaston. Warren performs regionally all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. His regional venues include: Casa Mañana Theatre, The Bass Performance Hall, ONSTAGE in Bedford, Garland Summer Musicals, Artisan Center Theater, Fort Worth Theater, Artisan Center Theater, and Kids Who Care, Inc.

Local actor, dancer and JPAS veteran Matias Grau III will once again play the role of Gaston’s bumbling sidekick Lefou after just finishing his role as Brad Majors in the JPAS production of Richard O'Brien's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Also reviving their roles from last season's production is local theatre all-star Scott Sauber as the charming candelabra Lumiere, Jeffrey Martorell as Cogsworth, the lovely and endearing Janet Shea as Mrs. Potts and Jennifer DeLatte as Madame de la Grande Bouche. Musical Director Alan Payne, steps on stage in this production as the creepy Monsieur D’Arque.

JPAS is pleased to welcome back Edward R. Cox as Maurice, Belle's father. Cox played the role in the 2004 JPAS production. Since then, he has worked extensively with the Disney theme parks and can been seen in several commercials and films. He is currently the master of haunts, Monseiur D'Arque at the Haunted Mortuary in New Orleans.

The cast also includes: seven year old Aaron Richert as Chip, Mrs. Potts’ tea-cup son, and Caroline Langlois as the Old Woman/Enchantress and Babette the feather-duster.

Playing inhabitants of Belle's quiet, provincial town and enchanted characters of the Beast's castle are: Austin Alleman, Emily Bennett, Blake Brupbacher, Sally Rose Cragin, Micah Desonier, Lainey Farber, Rene Gros, Claire Jones, Ashleigh Knight, Christopher Richerand, Anna Toujas Rosenberg, Jeff Springmann, Dwayne Sepcich, Richard St. Amant, Valerie St. Amant and Christian Tarzetti.

PICTURED from top to bottom: Stuart Metcalf (Beast) and Savannah Wise (Belle) in the 2004 JPAS Production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast; Jeffrey Martorell (Cogsworth) and Scott Sauber (Lumiere) reprise their enchanted roles in this year's production!; Matias Grau III (Lefou) and Keith Warren (Gaston) return as the villainous duo in this season's production!

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society’s production of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Presented by Adams and Reese, LLP, Atmos Energy and Capital One Bank, the JPAS production of DISNEY’S BEUATY AND THE BEAST is directed by Rob Mulholland, choreographed by Lynne M. Lawrence, musically directed by Alan Payne with the JPAS Broadway Pit Orchestra conducted by Dennis G. Assaf. Scenic Design by Mardi Gras Productions and James Jennings. Lighting design by Diane K. Baas. Costume Coordination & Construction by Kelly James-Penot. Enchanted Costume Construction by Edward Cox. Stage Manager and props: Brian Schrader. Assistant Stage Manger: Lauren Guillot. Technical Direction by Kyle Crose. Master Carpenter: Elizabeth Broomall. Stage Technician: William Spratt