Orange Beach Community Theatre knocks it out of the park; “Beauty and the Beast’’ sells out every show, draws rave reviews

Orange Beach Community Theatre knocks it out of the park “Beauty and the Beast’’ sells out every show, draws rave reviews
By Fran Thompson
“Holy Cow!” is how baseball broadcaster Phil Rizzuto would have put it.
And it’s true. Orange Beach Community Theatre hit a grand slam homer with its recent production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast’’ at the Orange Beach Event Center.
A complete sell-out even before the cast took the stage for the first of six January curtain calls, the play’s local cast, crew and volunteers took the audience into the enchanted world of the modern classic that had a 13-year run on Broadway and has been produced in 37 countries worldwide.
“The reaction from the Orange Beach community was simply overwhelming,” said Jessica Langston, the City of Orange Beach’s creative director. “We’ve had audience members stay after the show for photos, and we’ve had lots of folks email us, send messages, and stop us to congratulate our cast and crew.’’
Langston added that one dad reached out to ask if Gaston (Jeb Smith) and Lefou (Caden Blackwell) could send a special message to his son to comfort the child before surgery.
“Community theatre thrives when members of the community buy into the vision,” said Langston, who produced the show alongside her husband, Jonathan Langston.
“The energy from the audience was contagious during the show and I hope that energy continues.”
Just getting the play in front of an audience was a lesson in resiliency for all involved. Auditions were announced in March, with show dates originally planned for May. Coronavirus restrictions pushed the starting date back to July, and then August, and finally January 2021 – 10 months after auditions.
“Our cast members put their lives on hold for many months,’’ Langston said. “It was a wonderful testament to the importance of performing arts in our city to see so many people pour their time and talents into the show.”
Chase Morrisette, the theatre director for the city’s expansive Expect Excellence program, created the vision that brought the show to life. He also played the beast. In addition, Morrisette designed the stage layout, set pieces and costumes.
“He brought the play off the page and into the hearts of those who saw it,’’ Langston said.
She added that she was grateful to Rena McCoy for her tireless efforts as the assistant director and stage manager, DeAnn Milly for creating unforgettable costumes. Lacy McFadden for the play’s mesmerizing choreography, Jeanna Bulman for organizing restaurant donations, and Brandi Ingram for handling concessions.
Orange Beach City Council approved the play’s budget through councilwoman Annette Mitchell, the city’s OBCT steering committee rep.
Rather than cut corners to save dollars, the city asked the show’s producers to strive for excellence in every aspect of the production.
Around 40 City of Orange Beach employees joined the many volunteers working behind the scenes.
City employees helped build set pieces, shoot commercials, video the performance, run sound and direct the technical elements of the show.
The city also managed ticketing, photography, marketing, the green room, concessions, set-ups and break-downs.
“It took three people to help dress Madame De La Grande Bouche, and three to help Belle with quick changes from dress to dress,’’ Langston said. “So many people were involved helping with tech needs, hair and makeup, providing food for the cast and crew. We’re blessed to have so many talented people who are willing to give of their time to support performing arts.’’
The Orange Beach Community Theatre Steering Committee will meet soon to finalize its 2021-2022 season.
“I could have never imagined this when we started with small performances, brunch and dinner theatres in 2014,” Langston said. “We’ve created many wonderful memories, and saw many of our children find their niche as we explored performing arts.’’
Langston said to expect a children’s show this spring, and another big musical to kick off the opening of the city funded Performing Arts Center at Orange Beach Middle School in September and a murder mystery dinner theatre the week of Halloween at the Coastal Arts Center.
“This show has formed a bond among all of us as we spent countless hours working toward a common goal,’’ Langston said. “I believe that we can accomplish anything together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
For additional info on Orange Beach Community Theatre, visit the OBCT Facebook page.
Taking the role of Belle, the young woman tasked with ending the curse and transforming the beast into his former self, was Bailey Kennon. Other cast members included Jude McCoy, Devon Morrisette, Nancy Dickhute, Marty Goodman, Jennifer McBrayer, Polly Pittman, Jon Thomas Bulman, Kaelee McCoy, Brittany Hendley, Brooke Hendley, Charlee Rowland, Hannah Britt, Hunter Britt, Matt Brown, Nick Bryant, Bailey Burgess, Mallie Clolinger, Faith Craig, Tori Durden, Molly Harvey, Brittany Hendley, Brooke Hendley, Chris Jenkins, Jeremiah Knight, Jonathan Langston, Kaelee McCoy, Seth McCoy, Leah Millwood, Annette Mitchell, Caleb Pittman, Alex Revuelta, Charlee Rowland, Drew Townley, Olivia Vaughn, Holland Van der Nieuwenhof, Lucy West and Larkin West, Chris Jenkins and Molly Harvey.
The crew also included Caleb Pittman, Chris Jenkins, Matt McCrary, Chris Litton, Daniel Larenas, Tessa Moody, Amanda Napier, Rhoda Simmons, Matt Brown, Nick Bryant, Ivan Correa, Mack Mayo, Cynthia Mayo, Jeremiah Knight, Xander Van den Nieuwenhof, Jeanna Bulman, Krista Williams, Uilma Meehan, Eileen Gilding, Chelsea Goe, Sue Goodman, Sharon Hansen, Elaina Herring, Suzanna Laurier, Rebecca Mathis, Brent McBrayer, Jennifer McBrayer, Jude McCoy, Trudy Shadrick, Krista Williams, Elaine Berryman, Ashleigh Clolinger, Chandler Collins, Rio Cordy, Delphine Hartin, Dawn Harvey, Erin Jackson, Ruth Mayo, Staci Presley, Rhoda Simmons, Krista Williams, Savannah Harper, Amanda Napier, Staci Presley, Matt McCrary, Matt Carroll, Austin Thompson, Felix Revuelta, Darren Butler, Peter Milly, Zane Kennon, Landon George, Brandi Ingram, Marc Anderson, Sara Carroll, Jennifer Pritchard and Matt Carroll.
Pictured: OBCT cast & crew proving correct the city’s motto: “life is better here.’’