A sold out audience was entranced by NETworks' production of "Beauty and the Beast" at John R. Emens Auditorium Tuesday night. Marking the first performance of the North American Broadway tour, the Muncie community joined Ball State students and faculty to experience the musical adaptation of a Disney film.
Ball State welcomed back 2010 graduate Emily Behny, who took the stage as the spirited and compassionate character of Belle.
Erin Martin, freshman nursing major, said her performance was outstanding.
"Belle was my favorite, she did really good in her acting and singing," Martin said.
As Belle seeks a life of adventure much different from the simplicity of the town she grew up in, the cast held the audience's interest for two and a half hours. Their acting and singing was applauded constantly throughout the performance.
As Belle's partner and main male character of the Beast, Dane Agostinis, caught the eyes of the audience.
Jennifer McIntyre, junior exercise science major, enjoyed watching the scenes where the Beast took the spotlight.
"When the Beast is trying to ask Belle to dinner is a nice comical scene," McIntyre said.
Alex Plesovs, freshman business major, also enjoyed the acting of Agostinis. Plesovs' favorite scene in the play was when the Beast was physically transformed into a prince.
Nicole Baringer, sophomore Spanish major, wanted to attend the play to relive "Beauty and the Beast."
"It reminded me of when I was a little girl and would watch the movie all the time," Baringer said.
The part that brought her back to her childhood the most was watching the performance of the song "Beauty and the Beast."
Although very similar to the Disney classic, the musical included more scenes and songs, which added length to the story.
Baringer was expecting to see the musical resemble the movie.
"It was similar to the movie, yet it exceeded my expectations," Baringer said.
As the second act came to an end with the reprise of the song "Beauty and the Beast," the audience stood up for a prolonged applause.
Martin said she enjoyed seeing the magical ending of the performance.
"Everyone had their ‘happily ever after' in the ending," Martin said.
The cast is in West Lafayette, Ind., for their second performance today and then will continue the tour for a three week stay in Florida.
McIntyre recommended seeing the musical.
"It is family oriented and everyone would love it," McIntyre said.
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