Temple Sinai Players to Perform Beauty and the Beast

Temple Sinai Players, a community theater group based in Dresher, will be performing the stage musical “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST,” which was the first Disney title to be adapted into a Broadway musical. The acting troupe has been putting on shows for over 60 years with recent performances that include “MARY POPPINS,” “OLIVER,” “PETER PAN,” “SHREK THE MUSICAL” and most recently “OKLAHOMA” and “BYE BYE BIRDIE.”

Set in late 18th century France, this classic fairy tale is the story of Belle (Tracey Roffman), a beautiful, intelligent young woman who feels out of place from her village and is being courted by Gaston (Chris O’Donnell), a boorish, self-centered hunter. Belle soon discovers her father, Maurice (Jason Goldberg), has been imprisoned by a Beast (Andrew Rifkin) who is actually a prince that was cursed by an enchantress (Sara Leakey) along with his loyalty servants Mrs. Potts (Lainie Cottrell), her son Chip (Molly Harrington / Taryn O’Donnell / Emmi Roffman / Marley Steiner), Cogsworth (Josh Stein), Lumiere (Mark Harrington), Babette (Melissa Steiner) and Madame de la Grande Bouche (Joanne Shanzer) all of whom have been transformed into household objects. Their only hope to become human again is for the Beast to learn to love and be loved in return. However, it seems hopeless since time is quickly running out which will cause the curse to become permanent.

Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney animated movie and the 2017 live action version, “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” was the first story to be adapted into a Broadway musical by Disney Theatrical Productions. The fairy tale was originally written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont.

The Broadway production originally ran in the Palace Theatre for 13 years from April 18, 1994 to July 29, 2007, with music composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The show features some of Disney’s most memorable and beloved songs, including “Belle,” “Gaston” and “Be Our Guest.”

The Temple Sinai Players’ production is co-produced by Tracey Roffman, who also plays Belle, and Jeff Workman who also plays the town bookseller. Roffman explained why this show was a special one for the theatre troupe to perform, saying, “This show is such a cherished tale with beloved characters and incredible music that deeply connects with audiences.”

Workman also talked about the production, explaining, “In recent years our focus has been on more traditionally classic shows like “OKLAHOMA” and “BYE BYE BIRDIE.” However, we wanted to transition back to a Disney production like “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” which is a truly fun experience for audiences of all ages."

The show is directed by Aimee Miller, with musical direction by Diane Reckner, choreography by Lauren McGinnis and stage management by Jeff Workman. Set design is by Murrie and Chaya Gayman. The cast features performers of all ages from around the region.

Show performances will take place on Wednesday, February 26 (7:30 pm), Thursday, February 27 (7:30 pm), Saturday, February 29 (7:30 pm) and Sunday, March 1 (2:00 pm) in the Temple Sinai theatre located at 1401 Limekiln Pike in Dresher Pa. Tickets are currently available at the TSP Online Box Office.