Anticipation is running high as Spokane visitors wait eagerly for the performance of one of the most beloved Disney stories of all time.

Crowds gather as people count down the minutes until doors open. At 7:15 p.m. everyone is let in and files into the rows, chatting about the cast and the stage props.

Finally, the audience goes quiet as the lights dim, the curtains unfold and the symphony brings the inner child out of the viewers’ hearts. Memories spring forth from moments like Lumiére’s single, “Be Our Guest,” Gaston’s egocentric attitude and Bella and the Beast’s dance.

The ongoing performance of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”is only the start of Spokane Civic Theatre’s 70th consecutive year of live performance.

“Beauty and the Beast”director John Grant-Phillips, as well as many other producers and designers, have been working on the performance since July — coordinating production, rehearsal and design while preparing for the many other performances this year.

“It has been my great pleasure to return to Civic Theatre for the last six months,” Phillips said. “It is you and audiences like you that keep live theatre vital.”

People have lined up from all throughout the Spokane area to enjoy the live performance. “[Beauty and the Beast] is one of my favorite Disney movies of all time, so anytime it is in town, I will come watch,” said Spokane visitor Brianna.

“It’s kind of a special thing to come to one of these at least once a year,” added Abby O’Brien.

Read the rest of the review here.

Review by Jonathan Mersch of the Gonzaga Bulletin

Photo by Chris Wooley of Heads and Tails Photography