“Beauty and the Beast” wows sell out crowd

Rachel Bossier plays a vain opera singer who turns into a vanity wardrobe in the Beauty and the Beast. Sherry’s Shots In a tale as old as time, members of the Palestine Community Theatre presented a delightful presentation of “Beauty and the Beast” to a sell out crowd on Friday, July 24. Performances had begun the previous week, on July 17, 18, 19 and this weekend on July 24, 25, 26.

The play is based on the 1991 Disney classic of the same name and a book by Linda Woolverton, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The story begins when the Prince is cursed by an enchantress because of his selfishness and must wear the face of a beast until he can learn to love someone and earn their love in return.

The Beast’s castle servants are also changed by the enchantress. Lumiere (Jim Vincill) the French butler becomes a candelabra, Babette (Dr. Jan Sikes) the French maid turns into a feather duster, Cogsworth (Scott Bossier) the head of the servants into a clock, Mrs. Potts ( Amelia Cook) the head of the kitchen becomes a tea pot, and her son, Chip (Britain Bossier) a tea cup. Rachel Bossier is Madame de la Grande Bouche, a very vain opera singer who becomes a vanity wardrobe. The servants work hard to get Belle and the Beast together so they can become human again before the last petal drops from the red rose left by the enchantress.

Jared Cook was the director and cowardly friend of Gaston, the self centered bad guy, played by Gary Liles. Sherry’s Shots The show was directed by Jared Cook of Palestine and musical director was Chandra Dantin, also of Palestine.

As would be expected, most of the performers are Palestine residents but some were “out-of-towners”. The handsome young man who played the Prince, before and after the transformation, was Kendall Redd from Slocum and the Scott Bossier family traveled from Fairfield to participate.

The show takes place at the old Texas Theater which has been beautifully restored. The Palestine Economic Development Corporation provided a grant which allowed the purchase of a new theatrical lighting system. The balcony was open for the first time, providing additional seating.

Following the performance the cast line up on both sides of the foyer and greeted guests as they were leaving. Each performer said “Thank you for coming” and “Did you enjoy the show”. How refreshing.