The magic of a beloved fairy tale comes to the stage this October as the Oglebay Institute School of Dance Youth Ballet Company presents Beauty and the Beast at Towngate Theatre.
Audiences of all ages are invited to experience this timeless story of love, courage and discovering the beauty within. Told through the artistry of dance, the production will transport audiences into Belle’s world with lush costumes, beautiful settings, memorable characters and an enchanted forest filled with magical creatures.
At the heart of the story is Belle, a bright and compassionate young woman whose journey leads her to an enchanted castle and a mysterious Beast who is much more than he first appears.
For the young dancers bringing the story to life, the production is an opportunity to step into some of their favorite characters and share the emotion of the story with audiences.
Cecilia Sweeney, who portrays Belle, says she is especially excited to bring Belle’s elegance to the stage and share the character with the audience.
For Piper Shinn, who dances as one of the trees in the enchanted forest, the storytelling behind the choreography is one of the most meaningful parts of the production. She notes that every dance has a story behind it, allowing the dancers to communicate the emotions and meaning of the tale through movement.
And when asked which moment they are most excited for audiences to see, members of the Ballet Company agree: “Be Our Guest.” The lively production number promises to be one of the highlights of the show as the enchanted inhabitants of the castle welcome Belle in spectacular fashion.
Under the direction of Cheryl Pompeo, with choreography by Pompeo and Oglebay Institute School of Dance faculty, Beauty and the Beast showcases the talent, dedication and artistry of OI’s young dancers.
From an enchanted rose and a mysterious castle to dancing silverware, feather dusters, wolves and magical trees, audiences can follow the Ballet Company as they dance their way through a tale as old as time.
Experience the magic, meet the characters and watch OI’s talented young dancers bring Beauty and the Beast to life on the Towngate Theatre stage this October.
Performance Information
Beauty and the Beast will be presented at Towngate Theatre on:
Sunday, October 11 — 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 18 — 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased online, at the Towngate Theatre box office or by calling 304-242-7700.
Seating is limited, so get your tickets and be our guest for this enchanting ballet experience.
Cast
Belle — Cecilia Sweeney
Understudy: Lakota Marsh
Beast — Sydney Smith
Lumiere — Keagan Moore
Cogsworth — Mia McCormack
Mrs. Potts — Hannah Heusel
Chip — Jane Cummins
Babette — Lauryn Blatt
Madame de la Grande Bouche / The Wardrobe — Ireland Bunch
Gaston — Jaxson Baker
Le Fou — Myles Hotlosz
Maurisa (Mother) — Maddie Fisher
Enchantress / Beggar — Abbey Miller
First Understudy: Keagan Moore
Second Understudy: Bailey Downing
Rose — Eden King
Understudy: Bergen McLean
Wolves — Lakota Marsh, Jillian Sayre, Emory Maunz
Trees — Kynlee Judge, Sophia McCormack, Bergen McLean, Piper Shinn
Silly Girls — Margot Maunz, Claire Mincey, Harper Patterson, Charlotte Mandel
Feather Dusters — Drew Anderson, Lila Mincey, Mia McCormack, Addilyn Ellwood
Broom — Addilyn Ellwood
Silverware — Lena Monahan, Brylee Henderson, Addie Hotlosz, Lily Hotlosz, Caroline Kendle, Rose Stromeyer
Townspeople — Tianna Walton, Hannah Pinkerington, Penelope Schmitt, Benny Stromeyer
Prince — Chris Stromeyer
Artistic Team
Director / Choreographer
Cheryl Pompeo
Choreographers
Kristin Carson
Kathleen Gottus
Kim Kafana
Rebecca Moore
Maria Wood
