Photo by Wally Allert
This presentation of Beauty and the Beast is a semi-professional production by Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre and Pleasanton Civic Arts: a mix of Actors' Equity, Screen Actors Guild, and top regional actors. With a fully professional orchestra.
“I’ve always been a huge Disney fan,” David Judson told us. He’s Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre. “To me the show is about transformation and the process that people go through to find themselves or find the good in others. I’ve just been looking at the results from the election and you think that if we could only look across the table and respect each other. And find common ground. We live in a time when we have created so many obstacles to communication, including our obsession with technology. And that why this story so resonates — because it’s about recognizing others, and recognizing the beauty in others, no matter what they look like, or what they sound like or where they live or what they believe. All the characters in this are going through a transformation; on some level to see each other or themselves more clearly."
As for the production we have terrific costumes and some wonderful special effects to help the audience fall into this spectacular fantasy; some very cool projections, and of course the magic rose that sheds its petals.” The Firehouse Theater is a brand new theater with just 225 seats. “You’re right inside the action,” says Judson. “Even in the balcony you’re only 70 feet away from the stage.”
The show lasts for 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission; afterward there will be a “talk back” where the audience can questions actors and staff. Children of all ages are most welcome.
Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton, Through Nov. 18, Sat. and Sun. 8 p.m., Sun at 2 p.m. Sunday tickets are almost soldout. (firehousearts.org)