A Tale As Old As Time

Contributed

Two decades have passed since the Erie Playhouse presented Beauty and the Beast, but this December, the classic rags-to-riches, Academy award-winning musical returns to the Erie Playhouse Mainstage for the theater's final show of 2024.

CONTINUING DEC. 13

Beneath the briars, brambles, and bits of stone lies a forgotten palace falling on hard times. There, a fearsome beast stalks the halls, showing ruthlessness to all as rose petals fall, slowly sealing his fate. But just when it appears all hope is lost, there is a knocking at his door, and a guest beyond it that will change his life forever.

After two decades away, the classic rags-to-riches, Academy award-winning musical Beauty and the Beast returns to the Erie Playhouse Mainstage for its final show of 2024.

Director Richard Davis is especially excited to see it back, as he was fortunate enough to have played the beloved candlestick Lumiere and choreographed it in the past: "It's a big show and a very hard show. I said I'd never do it again, but never say never. It provides a lot of amazing opportunities for the actors."

Embracing these opportunities are lead performers Audrey Schlosser (in her Playhouse premiere as Belle) and Gabriel Gallagher (as the Beast).

"It's such a fun and heartwarming show," Davis remarked. "And has a great mixture of new people and returning actors. The cast has been excellent."

When the Erie Playhouse originally put on the show, they were one of the first community theaters to be able to do so. Since then, Davis has enjoyed the "rediscovery and rethinking," and the challenge of creating the magical aspects we all know and love.

As the Playhouse concludes another successful season of entertainment, they have added an additional two shows after Christmas to accommodate those still wishing to see the performance.

Some scenes contain violence and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 13 through Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m. // Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 at 2 p.m.* // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 St. // $19-30 // For tickets and info: erieplayhouse.org

*A performance date was added on Friday, Dec. 27 to make up for a canceled show on Dec. 6