"Beauty and The Beast" at Bethel Assembly July 22

Having solved a tricky situation in "Beauty and the Beast", Don Presson is looking forward to having some fun on Friday, July 22.

"We had to deal with transforming the Beast into a prince while he is still on stage," said Presson, who is directing the play. Friday's shows, which will take place at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., will be held at Bethel Assembly Church at 1855 Perryville Road. Admission is free. The show is sponsored by Kindermusik Conservatory and Shivelbine's.

"What we decided to do was having the cast surround the Beast and peel off his costume to make the transformation," said Presson. "It's a lot easier to do in cartoons."

The prince is transformed into a beast, played by Nicholas Ryan, because he refused to give shelter to an old woman. He will remain a beast until he can learn to love somebody before he turns 21.

Belle, who is played by Elizabeth Fluegge, says she loves the Beast just before the final petal falls off of a rose. Thus the Beast is transformed into a prince.

Natasha Storey-Ford plays Lumiere. Cogsworth is played by Katie Richardson. Chipper, one of the tea cups, is played by Ben Brinkopf. Dale, another tea cup, is played by Margaret Brinkopf. Chip is played by Wendy Dirden. Mrs. Potts is played by Christine Monier.

Felippe is played by Jonathan Eftink, Maurice is being played by Lucas Presson and Gaston by Bruce Dirden. The shopkeeper is played by Sarah Polen.