Youth theater group plans to stage 'Beauty and the Beast'

A Columbia County thespian group will pull back the curtain to perform a musical based on a Disney movie.

Beginning Friday, the Young Artists Repertory Theatre Company Inc. will showcase Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

"If they like the (movie), then they are going to enjoy this play," said John Greene, the theater company's artistic director. "I think the talent is very fine."

Greene said it takes practice and discipline for his group to produce such performances.

"They have to learn their lines, get along with other people, and they have to take direction," he said.

The 30 cast members have been rehearsing since June, learning choreography and songs, Greene said.

Since its inception in 2002, the repertory company is the county's only youth theater group, Greene said. Members are elementary- to college-age students who perform about three plays a year.

IF YOU GO

What: Performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast

When: 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Goodwin Commons of Augusta Preparatory Day School, 285 Flowing Wells Road in Martinez

For information: Visit www.yart.org or call John Greene at 210-0815.

Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors