Local producer and director Greg Tamblyn first brought his self-financed, epically-scaled production of this Disney classic to Portland stages in 2009, when its elaborate costumes, engagingly off-kilter choreography and strong performances earned it remarkably good reviews considering the target audience was mostly elementary school–aged girls and their obliging parents.

Now, Erin Charles and Leif Norby reprise their roles as Belle and the Beast, respectively, and Tamblyn once again pulls out all the stops for another run at the Newmark Theatre. The kids will be enthralled, of course, but this show has the production value, fantastic cast, and most importantly, the general weirdness to keep the grown-ups plenty entertained as well.

"Enchanting is a word that gets tossed around a lot, especially when you’re dealing with princesses and magical castles, but Pixie Dust Production’s Portland version of the Beauty & the Beast musical is exactly that: a huge Broadway sing-along remounted with moxie by a cast of warm and lively local vets made special with truly fanciful sets and costumes. It’s an early Christmas present for musical lovers—especially those with kids in tow." Read our full review.

Beauty and the Beast
Newmark Theatre
Dec 14–21

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