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LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette W hen the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast" appears on the stage of the Fort Smith Little Theatre, it will mark the 25th anniversary of the original Broadway premiere — and according to FSLT music director George Mann, its popularity has never faded. "I do feel … that the deeply held love for this timeless tale, and the iconic music of Alan Menken and lyric partners Tim Rice and Linda Woolverton, have caused a greater than normal interest," he says. "I believe we have one of the most outstanding casts to date. Each and every performance is imbued with a love for a particular character and the story as a whole, and I believe that emotional investment will cause the show to take on a new, particular, and unique sheen." Jordan Garton plays the iconic role of Mrs. Potts, originated by Angela Lansbury in the Disney movie. "I really enjoy being a comic relief character," she says. "I get no greater joy than hearing the audience laugh." With a show that requires talking furniture and singing dishes, costumes and set design must take center stage. "Many of the folks who helped create this special world have been working for many months," says Carole Rogers. "You will not see them. They will not receive applause, bravos or standing ovations. I urge you to look closely at their names listed in the program. I, for one, applaud loudly and cry 'bravo!' for the dedication of these talented, creative people." Mann says the River Valley community is sometimes surprised by the level of talent that can be seen on the FSLT stage. "[Our] casts are so superb that patrons always leave a production asking, 'Where do you find these people?'" Mann says. "My answer is always the same: 'They live here, they are your community, and they love what they do.' The same is true this year. It is almost embarrassing, the way I have to employ superlatives for each show we do; I certainly don't want any of them to ring insincere." And with more than 20 cast members and almost 40 designers and crew members involved in this production, there's a lot of talent to admire. Rogers says this production has been an enormous undertaking for FSLT. "I wouldn't trade this experience for all the castles and beasts in Fairyland," she says. "I hope you enjoy our efforts." 4 WHAT'S UP! JULY 21-27, 2019 FAQ Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' WHEN — 7:30 p.m. July 25-27 & 31, Aug. 1-3 and 8-10; 2 p.m. July 28 & Aug. 4 WHERE — Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 N. Sixth St. in Fort Smith COST — $20-$35 INFO — 783-2966 Tale As Old As Time FSLT director sings praises of 'Beauty's' cast and crew RIVER VALLEY Courtesy Photo "Growing up, 'Beauty and the Beast' was my favorite Disney movie," says Jessica Smith, who plays Belle in FSLT's production. "Now that I'm older, I realize how wonderful the story truly is. It shows us that beauty is not about outward appearances — it's about showing kindness to others."