In November of 1991, Disney released the animated movie titled Beauty and the Beast. Immediately, audiences all over the world fell in love with the romantic and heartwarming tale. Not only have audiences loved this story for years, with copies still being sold worldwide, but the movie also won critical acclaim as well.

Beauty and the Beast won a Golden Globe and was also the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award. In 2002, Beauty and the Beast was also selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” The stunning success of this animated musical made it clear that the story was loved, so Disney branched out and also made Beauty and the Beast available for production on the stage.

The NETworks production of Beauty and the Beast, a musical, will be live on the stage at the Crown Coliseum on Feb. 9. NETworks Productions was founded in 1995 by Kenneth Gentry, Seth Wenig and Scott W. Jackson. Since then, the company has produced more than 50 big-name productions all over the globe. Their works include Little Women, The Wizard of Oz, and Hairspray. The company is known globally for its skill in putting on theatrical productions that are exciting, engaging and beloved by audiences. NETworks productions continues to build their reputation of producing excellence by presenting Beauty and the Beast, the musical based on the Disney animated movie.

Like the movie, the stage production appeals to all ages. From 5-year-olds to 70-year-olds, anyone who comes to see the show will be entranced.

Natasha Katz, the lighting designer for the show says, “This particular version is not an exact replica of the film but it is extremely close to allow the audience to use their imagination more.”

Beauty and the Beast is a story of love. Belle is a young French woman who delights in books. The Beast is a prince who was transformed into a beast by a witch who was disguised as a traveler. He must win the love of Belle or face remaining in his altered state for the rest of his life. Belle learns to look past the Beast’s exterior into his kingly heart and falls in love with him, breaking the spell and returning him and his castle back to their original glory.

For the younger audiences, the beauty and magic of the show is sure to dazzle. For the older audience members, there is a play between good and evil that will add meaning and a new layer to the traditional and well-loved story.

“There is a dark side to the show, which makes any fable or fairy tale exciting. From a lighting point of view the dark side needed to be explored. In truth, you can’t have light without dark, or happiness without unhappiness, or courage without fear. “Katz explained.

Tickets can be purchased online at crowncoliseum.com. For more information, contact (910) 438-4100, this number can also be used to purchase tickets. The Crown Theatre is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr.