February 6, 2007 > Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast By Mona Shah Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast.' Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature, the stage version of 'Beauty and the Beast' includes all of the wonderful songs from the film, plus new songs written especially for the Broadway version by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. This musical masterpiece will be presented by the Newark Memorial High School Performing Arts Department, with a cast and crew of over 50. Audiences will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father - a dotty inventor. When her father doesn't return from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find him. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the "tale as old as time" begins. How Belle tames the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation into a handsome prince continues to enthrall audiences on Broadway nightly. Filled with spectacular costume and sets 'Beauty and the Beast' offers a great opportunity to bring the entire tri-city community together for family theatre at its best. Tickets are selling fast. Order your reserved-seating tickets by calling (510) 818-4451. Advanced tickets available at: The Book End 5678 Thornton Ave., Newark (510)797-4100 Admission: $10 for pre-sale tickets and $12 at the door. Beauty and the Beast Fridays and Saturdays March 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees March 18 and 25 2:00 p.m. Newark Memorial High School Theatre 39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark