Renaissance Players Beauty and the Beast setting example for other theatre companies
Release Date: 10/20/2004. Expired: 10/24/2004
Theatre groups from hundreds of miles away have been making the drive to Dickson to see the Renaissance Players production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. One of the first community productions of the smash Broadway hit in the country, the show is drawing attention from companies planning future productions and many of them are coming to The Renaissance Center for ideas.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast completes its three-week run at The Renaissance Center this weekend with the final shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for children 12 and under.
“We’ve had wonderful audiences and terrific responses to our first two weekends,” said Amy Scott, managing director of the Renaissance Players and co-director of the show. “We’re especially proud that other theatre companies from around the country are looking to our production for assistance in their preparations to do this show.”
Representatives of theatre groups in Iowa and Indiana attended last weekend’s shows and an Atlanta theatre group member will be attending the final weekend. Scott said she also has received inquiries about renting some of the costumes and set pieces from the Renaissance Players show, including an inquiry from a theatre company in New Jersey.
“With this show just being released for community productions, companies all across the country are jumping at the chance to make it part of their seasons,” Scott said. “We were fortunate to be one of the first companies selected to present this show, which is a tribute to the quality of the work the Renaissance Players produce. Now people all over the eastern half of the country are looking at us to see how we have brought it together. With our creative staff here at the center and a wonderful community program, the Renaissance Players are taking a leadership role in community theatre.”
The Renaissance Players production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has drawn large crowds in its first two weekends, but tickets are still available for all three final shows.
“If you’re looking for a delightful outing this weekend, check out Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Renaissance Center in Dickson,” says a review in The (Clarksville) Leaf-Chronicle. “Beauty and the Beast is pure magical enjoyment. The sets, designed by Robert Cooper, are gorgeous. One thing you can always count on with The Renaissance Center is a top-caliber production, and that reputation is safe with the current offering.”
For more information on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, contact The Renaissance Center at (615)740-5600. To purchase tickets, call (615)740-5570.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast kicks off the Renaissance Players 2004-05 season, which includes A Christmas Carol (Dec. 3-19), Jesus Christ Superstar (March 11-27), Faith County (May 13-22) and Fiddler on the Roof (July 15-31).
The Renaissance Center is an arts and technology education and performing arts center at 855 Highway 46 South in Dickson, just 35 miles west of Nashville on Interstate 40 at exit 172.
Visit the Theatre page for more about community and professional theatre.