The Portland Playhouse Readies for Disney's Beauty and the Beast

The Portland Playhouse is alive with activity as the Civic Players prepare for their fall production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This much loved classic is a show for all ages.

Led by Emily Cedeño as Belle, Jonathan Bair as the Beast and Jonathan Showerman as Gaston, the cast also includes Doug Snitgen as LaFou, Matthew Thelen as Lumiere, Terry Austen as Cogsworth, Joshua Randall as Maurice, Deb Hattis as Mrs. Potts, Francis Austen and Abigail Rice sharing the role of Chip, Tiffany Barron as Babette, Laurita Showerman as Madame De La Grande Bouche, Clay Ramsey as Monsier D'Arque, Cameron Snyder-Pitts as the Enchantress and Emily Perry, Jessica Schneider, Kali Thelen and Lydia Wilson as the Silly Girls. Rounding out the ensemble are Iggy Arleth, Emerson Dibean, Kristi Dibean, Candice Dilley, Erin Duff, Karley Goodman, Kaitlin Kmetz, Krysta Koenigsknecht, Bryson Krieger, Marriah Lawler, Avery Martin, Rory Miller, Ellen Pohl, Logan Reeves, Pam Robinson, Kelly Sandborn, Robert Showerman, Grace Timmer, Joe Timmer, Mary Timmer, Mattie Timmer, Antonius Watkins, Jill Werner and Anita Wilson.

“We are so excited to bring this incredible show to our Portland stage!” said director Mary Teachout. “We have an amazingly talented cast which includes some familiar faces but also some who are new our stage. We couldn’t be happier with the response and enthusiasm of everyone involved!”

As a special promotion and fundraiser for a new theater marquee, a Character Meet & Greet is scheduled for October 20 from 10am - 12pm at the theater! You'll be able to meet and share refreshments with Belle, the Beast, Gaston, Lumiere and other characters, complete with a photo opportunity! There is a suggested donation of $10.

Being one of the more expensive productions to come to Portland, because things like of royalties, technical challenges and specialty costuming the Players are looking for businesses, individuals or other groups who are interested in great theatre to help sponsor the event. There are several different levels of sponsorship, with different rewards associated with each. More information is available on the website PortlandCivicPlayers.com. Also, be sure to follow “Portland Civic Players” on Facebook for continued updates, and special promotions!

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com. Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. Beauty and the Beast is sure to please all!

The PCP production is being co-directed by Mary Teachout and Sara Pohl, with musical direction by Sherry Miller. Play dates are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 9-11 and 16-18. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Performances are at the Portland Playhouse located at 231 Maple Street, Portland, Michigan. Call (517) 647-4041 or go online to PortlandCivicPlayers.com for reservations.