'Beauty and the Beast' at Derby Dinner Playhouse

The musical “Beauty and the Beast” opened on Broadway 1994 and closed in 2007, but its popularity also reveals itself in the many stagings and tours of this musical.

Based on the 1991 film of the same name and with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, the story draws from the French fairy tale and involves a selfish prince who was changed into a made ugly by a spell that can only be broken if he can earn the love of Belle, whom he has imprisoned.

ART PICK: Fun stories set to music--for kids

Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production includes the music and promises stirring dance numbers with choreography by Heather Paige Folsom.

The cast, directed by Lee Buckholz, includes Joey Banigan, Cary Wiger, Jim Hesselman, Kyle Braun and Sara King.

Derby Dinner stacks season with crowd–pleasers

WHEN: Through Aug. 14

WHERE: Derby Dinner Playhouse, 525 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Ind.

COST: $38 to $47 ($34 to 44 for individuals in groups of 20 or more).

INFORMATION: 812-288-8281; www.derbydinner.com

Reach reporter Elizabeth Kramer at (502) 582-4682 and ekramer@courier-journal.com. Follow her on Twitter @arts_bureau and on Facebook at Elizabeth Kramer - Arts Writer.