Beaumont Civic Ballet has been captivating audiences of Southeast Texas with performances that feature evocating scores, stunning costumes and beautiful set designs that create magical atmospheres since 1971 set forth by the late founder Marsha Woody. The same standard continues today under her daughter Monique Zummo Steinhagen along with an amazing team incluing Artistic Co-Director Megan Anderson.
This weekend, the company presents for the first time, “Beauty and the Beast,” at the Julie Rogers Theatre (765 Pearl St.) in downtown Beaumont on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start at $20 and can be purchased online at beaumontcivicballet.net.
In a distant kingdom, an intriguing tale is set to unfold. A Prince, preparing to host a grand ball, faces an unexpected challenge when an evil fairy curses him after he rejects her advances. This curse transforms the Prince into a Beast, and in a twist of fate, the ball’s attendees will soon find themselves turned into household objects, trapped in this spell. The Beast will come to believe that no one could ever love him again in his monstrous form.
Meanwhile, a merchant with three daughters, is bound to make a promise that will change everything. His youngest daughter, Beauty, desires nothing more than a rose. However, when her father picks a beautiful rose from the Beast’s enchanted garden, a looming ultimatum arises – Beauty must take her father’s place and step into the uncertainty of the Beast’s castle.
As Beauty arrives and confronts her fears, there’s potential for an extraordinary bond to form between her and the Beast. Despite his growing affections, Beauty will initially turn down his heartfelt proposals, focusing instead on her longing for home. After a visit to her sick father, a pivotal moment awaits when Beauty returns to find the Beast on the brink of death, succumbing to heartbreak. In that moment of realization, she will confess her love for him, setting in motion a transformative revelation. Will this act of love be powerful enough to break the curse? If so, the Beast may yet return to his princely form, restoring not only himself but also everyone ensnared in the spell. The promise of happily ever after looms on the horizon, leaving everyone to eagerly anticipate the outcome of this enchanting story.
“Beauty and the Beast” was introduced in 1740 by French author Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, but it was 16 years later that Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont revised the narrative, significantly condensing the original story, omitting various details, and republishing it as part of an instructional manual targeting children. This abridged version gained global recognition, inspiring many adaptations, including Disney’s 1991 animated version.
De Beaumont crafted her narrative as a didactic instrument to impart lessons on manners, moral behavior, and character development: the protagonist, Beauty, demonstrates selflessness and virtue through her decision to sacrifice her freedom for the sake of her father, while her sweet and generous nature is juxtaposed with the jealousy and materialism displayed by her sisters.
Beaumont Civic Ballet’s production focuses on themes of love, transformation and inner beauty by talented students that include Evelyn Buckner, Elise Rogers, Gabriela de la Madrid, Alice Montalbano, Jules Williams, Phoebe Hood, Raygan Callas, Mustapha Williams, Alyssa Yancey and so many others.
“I remember brainstorming with Ms. Marsha (Woody) and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was on the list,” said Anderson. “Reading her notes was very interesting and I thought it would be really fun.”
Anderson then dug deep and read, and watched, all the adaptions. With no music written for “Beauty and the Beast,” Anderson wanted a classical Russian sound and spent hours listening before finalizing 21 tracks for the ballet.
After music was selected, Anderson turned her attention to the ballet itself – which is “corps de ballet,” meaning dancers that appear in large groups with very few solos.
“It’s the backbone of every ballet company,” said Anderson of the corps. “There are two solos for Beauty and one for the flame, otherwise it’s nonstop. The dancers have grown into the opportunities and ran with it. I believe they love it because they’re dancing so much.”
Steinhagen also expressed her excitement about this weekend’s upcoming performances and sang the praises of Anderson.
“I’m just so proud of her,” said Steinhagen. “She has put in a lot of hours choreographing this, and I think this is her strongest ballet she’s ever done.”
She went on to say the quality of the choreography with the corps de ballet reminded Steinhagen of the late Ben Stevenson, who served as the artistic director of the Houston Ballet for more nearly 30 years.
“The dancers beautifully move across the stage,” said Steinhagen. “Our dancers are not professional, and Megan has handled it so well.”
Beaumont Civic Ballet will also say farewell to two senior dancers, who will perform in their final spring ballet – Evenlyn Buckner and Trisha Montojo.
“Trisha is such a rock and very trustworthy,” said Anderson. “Like I was in the corps de ballet, she is a corps member and understands where she fits in. She’s also a great teacher and great leader. Trisha is like a mom to the other students.
“Evelyn is a very hard worker who is so sweet and very helpful with the kids. She’s been smiling the entire year.”
Through balletic pantomime and musical scores, Beaumont Civic Ballet's "Beast" incorporates why beauty is more than skin deep.
Chad Cooper is the Entertainment Editor. Contact: cooper@theexaminer.com