Starting July 10, Jean Isaacs’ Young Actor’s Theatre (YAT) is utilizing Disney’s musical Broadway version of “Beauty and the Beast” to capture even the youngest audience member’s attention. With an opportunity to join Belle and the bunch in a tea party before the show at La Jolla’s Sherwood Auditorium, the group encourages participation in the event ” even asking little ones to turn out wearing princess costumes.
“In addition to our production, we are having tea with Mrs. Potts,” said Jean Isaacs, Young Actors Theatre executive director. “They will be able to take tea with Belle. And anyone can just come “¦ We’re doing it for both matinees.”
For an additional fee, Isaacs and the company set up an event called “Take Tea with Belle” that includes treats, lemonade, a tour, an autograph book and a chance for the youngsters to visit with the princess, Isaacs said.
“It’s the first time we’ve done this,” Isaacs said, regarding the additional event. “The idea came to us from another company in L.A. We give a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater there. But not too much ” we want to keep the magic going.”
All children are encouraged to wear their princess costumes throughout the event, tea party or not.
“Our characters are also kids and they work with kids so it makes it really fun,” Isaacs said.
Although YAT members are technically young, while watching the productions, any sense of ageism begins to wane.
“I feel like we have some of the best talent in San Diego,” Isaacs said, adding that Mrs. Potts and two other YAT members are trained opera singers.
This version of “Beauty and the Beast” comes straight from Disney’s animated movie, music and all. The movie won an Academy Award and then was adapted for Broadway. The YAT will perform the Broadway version, which includes songs written by Alan Mencken and Howard Ashman from the film, plus songs added to the Broadway version by Mencken and Tim Rice.
“We have an amazing cast and amazing costumes. You have the Disney magic but it’s not just a fluff Disney piece, it’s a really special show,” Isaacs said.
In September, YAT will perform “Alice in Wonderland” at the new theater the group bought in Spring Valley. That production, also the Disney version, will be performed by their junior group, Isaacs said.
“Beauty and the Beast” will begin July 10 at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Sherwood Auditorium, 700 Prospect St. Showtimes are 7 p.m. July 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
Weekend matinees begin at 2 p.m. July 12, 13, 19 and 20; the matinee tea parties start at noon.
Tickets are $18, $15 for children 12 and under. For the V.I.P. section, tickets are $25. For “Take Tea with Belle,” tickets are $12 for the tea party, $10 for V.I.P. ticket holders.
For more information about the nonprofit group YAT, visit www.yatsandiego.org, or for tickets and information, call the box office, (619) 670-1627.