Encore Company presents 'Beauty and the Beast'

Mountain Home High School's Encore Company will present Beauty and the Beast this Thursday through Saturday, May 9-11. Each performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mountain Home High School gym.

Adapted by MHHS drama instructor Taunya Page from the original fairy tale by Madame de Villeneuve, the play is a tale of looking past outward appearances to focus on what's inside.

"Come see this magical love story retold with a blend of 18th century France and Cirque du Soleil," Page said.

The classic story begins when an arrogant prince (Dixon Kean) is humbled on his 18th birthday after offending Feerique, a beautiful fairy played by Cassie Durrence. She places a curse on him, changing him into a monstrous beast (Matt Frederick) who must find someone to love him for his true self.

Seemingly lost forever, his palace goes unnoticed until a series of unfortunate events causes a sickly merchant (Chris Wessel) to stumble across the castle. He picks a rose for his youngest daughter, not realizing the minor offense will cost him dearly, and the beast takes him prisoner. Feeling responsible for her father's demise, Beauty (Katie Urquidi) makes a deal to trade places with her father where she ultimately finds the true meaning of love.

"Come enjoy the hard word of Encore Company and the technical theatre classes as they produce their final show of the season," Page said. Tickets, $3 for students and $5 for adults, will be sold at the door.

The Senior Celebration group will hold a fundraising bake sale in the foyer of the gym during each of the three nights of performances.