(Photo by Steve DiBartolomeo)
APTOS — It’s been a big year for Belle and the Beast.
The 1991 Disney animated feature, “Beauty and the Beast,” was remade into a live action film earlier this year starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens.
Now, the story will be brought to the theater stage for local audiences when Cabrillo Stage brings the musical to life beginning Thursday.
Directed and choreographed by Janie Scott, with musical direction by Artistic Director Jon Nordgren, “Beauty and the Beast” stars Emily Marsilia as Belle and Matthew Taylor as the Beast.
Marsilia said “Beauty and the Beast” goes beyond the typical “love at first sight” story.
“It is rewarding to tell a story that, for lack of better words, tells a tale of ‘dislike at first sight,’” she said. “Both Belle and the Beast form a bond in which love grows.”
Marsilia, who is in her fifth production with Cabrillo Stage, said playing the role of Belle caused her to look at her own innate qualities and expand them to “new levels” for the character.
She notes that Belle is not a standard “Disney princess,” but rather, a role model for young women.
“I think Belle as a character represents a young woman who is willing to stand outside of what is expected of her,” Marsilia said. “I believe that kind of energy resonates and appeals to many, myself included.”
Taylor called performing as the Beast “both a blast and an immense challenge.” Inhabiting an animal body may be a unique experience, but it’s “tough on the joints,” he added.
“Beast is so beautiful to me,” Taylor said. “He was once a gentleman, an aristocrat. Time, rage and loneliness strip that from him and it is such a journey to not only see him learn to love, but remember how to be that gentleman.”
Now in his second show with Cabrillo Stage, Taylor was encouraged to audition for the theater company’s 2013 production of “Oklahoma” by its musical director, Alice Hughes, who also happened to be the mother of his best friend in college.
“An old college friendship really made Cabrillo and Santa Cruz a second home to me,” said the Texas native. “Jon Nordgren and the entire team has stayed in touch over the years and it feels like I never left.”
Taylor and Marsilia will also play as love interests in a Cabrillo Stage production again, as the two performed as Curly and Laurey in “Oklahoma.”
Mike Saenz plays LeFou, the sidekick to the main antagonist Gaston. It’s a role that Saenz describes as “very physical,” as the character gets “knocked around a lot.”
“I really believe that my dance training has helped me immensely – not only with spatial awareness, but also knowing my body well enough to be able to do the stunts safely,” he said, adding that “epsom salts and hot tubs” help immensely.
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“Beauty and the Beast” opens Thursday and runs through Aug. 13. Performances, taking place at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater at 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, are Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with weekend matinees at 2 p.m. A special kids’ matinee will be performed on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.
Admission prices range, with general admission costing $36 for adults, $34 for seniors 65 and over and $25 for children ages 5-12.
For tickets, call 479-6154 or visit www.cabrillostage.com.
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The cast weighs in
On the performers
Mike Saenz (LeFou): “For me, the most enjoyable aspect of bringing this show to life has been how amazingly talented everyone is. You often hear that when you ask an actor about their show, but even from our very first day when we did a table reading of the show, there was already an element of magic in the room.”
Joyce Michaelson (Mrs. Potts): “The audience can expect to be dazzled by not only gorgeous sets, costumes and music, but by an astonishing amount of talent and commitment from everyone on stage, backstage and in the orchestra pit. Each person involved in this show brings their unique self and talents to bear in the creation of the magic that is ‘Beauty and the Beast.’”
Matthew Taylor (Beast): “Janie Scott and the entire team at Cabrillo has truly put together one of the most beautiful and magical experiences I’ve ever seen. Pair that with the incredible performances of Emily Marsilia, CJ Blankenship, Michael Saenz and the rest of this cast and it’s just something truly special. It’s by far the largest production I have ever been a part of and I am so excited to share it with everyone.”
On their character
Jordan Peirini (Cogsworth): “I play Cogswoth, the lovable stick-in-the-mud clock. The main challenge in bringing this character to life is the costume. It’s a large costume and it makes it difficult for me and my fellow cast members to get around.”
Emily Marsilia (Belle): “There is something about her rebelliousness and indignation that I admire greatly. To a certain degree, it troubles her that she doesn’t necessarily fit in, but not enough to alter and/or morph her into someone that she is not. She holds close to her desires and aspirations, and that’s very admirable.”
Michaelson: “My character is Mrs. Potts. A challenge in playing her is to embody the physicality of being a living teapot, and relating to my son, Chip, who is a teacup. I love that she is doing her very best to retain her humanity by keeping her dignity in tact and by nurturing others in the castle, especially Belle.”
Saenz: “LeFou is a pretty simple guy who hero worships Gaston and follows him seemingly blindly. He may not always get things right, but he’s a generally lovable goofy fool.”
