Theatre preparing ‘Beast’ of a show

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Submitted photo The “plates” in “Beauty and the Beast,” are, from left, Clare Geinert, Edgeley; Carley Spiese, Oakes; and Alyssa Gackle and Jasmine Nitschke, both Kulm.
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Submitted photo Rehearsing “Beauty and the Beast” are, front, from left, Carley Spiese, Oakes; Alyssa Gackle and Jasmine Nitschke, both Kulm; and Clare Geinert, Edgeley; back, from left, Adam Burkman, Kulm; Preston Andersen, Oakes; John Dodson, Jamestown; Kristof Nelson, LaMoure; Eddie Klaman, Edgeley; and Bryce Andersen, Oakes.

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The LaMoure County Summer Musical Theatre in Grand Rapids has been bustling with preparations for the upcoming production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Sets are being painted, costumes are getting sewed, lights and microphones are being tested, lines are getting memorized, and dance numbers are being rehearsed.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature. It includes all of the songs from the movie along with new songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice. When Maurice becomes lost in the woods on the way to the fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle, but the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive. Maurice’s daughter, Belle, must then give up her freedom to save his life. Belle’s taming of the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation back into a handsome prince enthralled Broadway audiences for more than 13 years.

The LaMoure County Summer Musical Theatre’s choreographer is Daniel Yurgaitis, creating dance numbers for songs such as the razzmatazz “Be Our Guest,” complete with dancing plates, silverware and other “enchanted” objects, and the rousing “Gaston.” Yurgaitis is the theater director at Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D. He has directed not only at Northern State University, but also has been an artist in residence at many Universities and has directed with numerous theaters.

“Beauty and the Beast” will be performed at LaMoure County Memorial Park, near Grand Rapids, N.D., at 8 p.m. July 22-25 and July 29-30 and 2 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 1 at 2:00. Tickets are $10 for reserved chairs, $8 for a reserved bench seat, $7 adult general admission, $5 student general admission, and $3 preschool general admission. To reserve tickets, call the box office at 701-883-5230 Monday-Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. on show days.

Tags: diversions, performances, lamoure