New theater company kicks off first production, 'Beauty and the Beast'

A new theater company kicks off its first production this week, blending great hometown talent with big-city costumes and special effects flown in from New York City itself.
 
The folks with Desert Pointe Productions say they hope they've got a hit on their hands.
 
"Speaking just as a dad with kids, I think this is the closest to Broadway we're going to get in Yuma," said Geoff Dewhurst, performing in the show with three of his kids. "I think people are really going to enjoy the show."
 
"Disney's Beauty and the Beast" will be performed Thursday through Saturday at Snider Auditorium. (See inset box for hours). Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door and in advance at Dillard's.
 
Dewhurst added that the cast represents a mix of veteran performers and beginners, but their first big night has everyone nervous and excited all the same.
 
"The scary thing for us is 'Oh my gosh those lights are bright! That's a lot of seats to fill!," he said. "This whole time we've been rehearsing for our friends and theater crew in a school cafeteria. Now we have a 700-seat auditorium to perform within. I think that's starting to hit home.
 
"The reality is that this is big deal," he said, "and it's going to be a big show."
 
Desert Pointe Productions got started back in July. That's when the new group held its first auditions.
 
The new theater company is the brain child of Executive Director Shawna Perkins and a handful of friends who have since been joined by talented folks wanting to get involved on and off stage alike. Perkins has said that she has already dreamed of a single performing arts company that would bring together everything from community-theater actors, orchestral musicians and dancers to visual artists wanting to create colorful sets and props.
 
Desert Pointe Productions also plans to give out five $1,000 scholarships each year under the categories of dance, vocal, instrumental, theater and other. The first scholarships are expected to be applied for and granted next year. The money will be available to adults and children alike.

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast" stars Brittany Peare and Jeffery Lines in the title roles.
 
"We're very lucky to have (Brittany) because she has a great background in the arts," Dewhurst said. "She has a clear head and shoulders above and she is really bringing us to her level."
 
Peare studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.
 
In addition to all the acting talent "Disney's Beauty and Beauty" also boasts impressive costumes, pyrotechnics and a special-effects rigging that will allow certain characters to fly high above the stage.

The teapot character actually steams and Dewhurst's candlesticks boast real flames.
 
"The clock tick-tocks and you can open him up and look at his gears," Dewhurst said. "The wardrobe even has panties and all kinds of different things that you can open up and pull out."
 
But Dewhurst said his favorite part about the show is the fact that all proceeds from tickets go toward scholarships.
 
"The fun thing is that the money doesn't go to pay actors or anything. You're paying scholarships for kids to be able to expand and develop into the arts," he said. "You're buying a musical instrument for a kid who can't afford one. You're buying dance shoes for a girl who can't afford them. Your money is going to a great place and you're getting a good show."


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If you're going
What: "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Snider Auditorium, 400 S. 6th Ave.
More info: www.DesertPointe.org


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Who's that behind the mask?
Belle: Brittany Peare
Beast: Jeffery Lines
Gaston: Brant Adams
Maurice: Nate Bigler
Cogsworth: Troy Love
Mrs. Potts: Kris Smith
Lumiere: Geoff Dewhurst
Chip: Joshua Dewhurst
Babette: Gigi Cook
Madame De La Grande Bouche: Penney Hansen
Lefou: George Smith
Silly Girl(s): Shelley Griffiths, Hailey Savage, Karly Savage
Enchantress: Jill Jongeward
Young Prince: Ben Wallace