News
Chandler Center for the Arts staff sent a Q & A to Music Director JR McAlexander and Artistic Director M. Seth Reines to learn a little bit more about the details and behind the scenes of their upcoming production.
The heartwarming tale of Belle and the Beast will swirl to life in this vibrant live concert version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, complete with a live orchestra and chorus, a brightly costumed cast of the Valley’s premier musical theatre stars, and dazzling animated scenery. Be swept away all over again by your favorite songs in this sumptuous show. Disney's Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert will be performed on March 22nd at 7:30 PM and March 23rd at 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM.
Get your tickets at chandlercenter.org or by calling our box office at 480-782-2680.
CCA Staff: Tell us about Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert. How is it different from the Broadway Musical?
JR & Seth: The Concert version has exactly the same script and score as the original Broadway show. The only real difference is that the orchestra is onstage rather than in an orchestra pit in order to feature the live musicians. The Concert version will have full costuming, choreography, and projected animated scenery.
How did you go about picking the cast for this production?
We held local auditions in August, 2023, seeing over 150 of Phoenix's best musical theatre performers.
How did you decide to present Beauty and the Beast over other productions?
We were looking for a popular Broadway musical that appealed to a family audience.
What has been your favorite part about the process of presenting this show so far?
So far, it is assembling a strong cast and ensemble of gifted musicians.
What are you most excited about for presenting this concert?
Creating a piece of live musical theatre that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
What should someone who is thinking about coming to see Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert know before they go?
There is nothing more exciting than being a part of a live theatrical experience and seeing Disney magic come to life on CCA's stage!
Do you have anything else you’d like to tell our patrons?
Hopefully, this will become an annual event like Showtune Production's BEST OF BROADWAY, which has become CCA's annual New Year's Eve Celebration.
The Leads for Disney's Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert have been announced.
Kaitlynn Bluth (Belle) is grateful and excited to be working with Showtune Productions at CCA! Select credits: Clara in The Light in the Piazza (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Lina Lamont in Singin' in the Rain (Showtune Productions), Cinderella in Into the Woods (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Lily in The Secret Garden (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Marian Paroo in The Music Man (Phoenix Symphony/The Phoenix Theatre Company and Showtune Productions), and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Arizona Broadway Theatre). Education: B.A. from Arizona State University. Many thanks to Seth and JR, and all her love to her incredible (and not at all villainous) husband, Jordan, and three children- Adelynn, Owen, and Carson. For more on her work as a voice actor, visit www.kaitlynnbluth.com
Loren Battieste (Beast) is thrilled to make his debut with Showtune Productions and grateful for this opportunity to be part of this magical experience. Recent shows include The Little Mermaid (King Triton) with Hale Centre Theatre, Parade (Newt Lee) with Arizona Regional Theatre, and the opera La Bohème (Marcello) with Chandler Opera Company. Loren holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Redlands and has had the wonderful opportunity to perform in opera houses all across the country.