A Tale as Old as Time Enchants Audience in FoxHound Auditorium

Based on the award-winning animated feature, the Broadway adaptation follows Belle (played by Heidi D. ’23), a young woman in a provincial town seeking more to life. The books she reads transport her to far-off places, but she soon finds herself in a fairytale of her own when her father Maurice (Johanna B. ’23) is taken prisoner inside an enchanted castle. Belle comes to his rescue only to become a prisoner herself. Despite the circumstances, she befriends the residents, Lumiere (Anila S. ’25), Cogsworth (Katelyn S. ’24), Mrs. Potts (Moriah F. ’24) and her son Chip (Ava B. ’24), and other staff who serve the master of the castle, The Beast, played by local professional actor Jiles Burnham. As the story goes, a magical rose has transformed The Beast and his servants — and only love can break the spell. Will it be Belle who sets them free?

Gaston, played by Emmy Q. ’24, has other plans. Supported by his trusty companion LeFou (Gigi L. ’25) and the townspeople, Gaston storms the castle, fueled by Belle’s rejection of his marriage proposal and his quest to slay The Beast. He cannot stop true love, however, and his actions start a chain reaction that reveals Belle’e true feelings for The Beast, which ultimately breaks the spell to return him and everyone in the castle to their true form!

Beauty and the Beast is quite the story, and Foxcroft’s rendition truly invited the audience to “be our guest” for something special. The magic of theater met the magic of the story, and memorable moments, such as Belle’s ball gown reveal (many thanks to the Queen family for lending this magnificent dress for the play!) and The Beast’s transformation, were met with gasps of delight from all in attendance. Bravo to the talented cast, crew, and orchestra for bringing this "tale as old as time" to FoxHound with enthusiasm, humor, and plenty of magic!