Girl Power is a centuries old quest. Bring the whole family out to The Players Theatre this February through April for a different musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast than you’ve previously seen on stage or screen. Featuring a Beauty with grit, explore with her a need for adventure and learn with her what finding true love really is all about.
This original musical adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast“, inspired by the 1740 French Novella, and decidedly not Disney, has been revived at The Players Theatre, and located at 115 MacDougal Street (between West 3rd and Bleeker) in the West Village. The production features a live chamber ensemble with music by Michael Sgouros and book and lyrics by Brenda Bell.
Largely based on the original book by Marie Beaumont, which was written in 1756, this version finds the title character, Beauty (Emily Sharick), to be a surprising heroine. Unlike most fairytale damsels, she is not waiting to be rescued by a prince charming. In fact, if there is rescuing to be done, Beauty will be doing it. But she is far from flawless, indeed she makes a number of mistakes, but as a true heroine, she always learns from her blunders.
Let’s meet the cast of actors that make up this magic tale as featured on BroawayWorld.com:
Emily Sharick (Beauty) is thrilled to be a part of Beauty and the Beast. Previous credits include Cinderella (The Players Theatre), SWAN LAKE ROCK OPERA (Actors Temple), THE WOLVES (Point Park University), CORAM BOY (Point Park University).
Eric Fletcher (Beast/Vocal Director) is very pleased to return to Beauty and the Beast for the fourth time. Previously he played the Prince and Papa. His Off-Broadway credits include: A Christmas Carol (Scrooge), Frankenstein (Victor Frankenstein), Hollow (Henry & Van Ripper), Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom), Beauty and the Beast (Papa), The Little Mermaid (Fish Witch), Cinderella (Madame), Alice in Wonderland (Queen of Hearts), The Selfish Giant (Giant), Treasure Island (Ben Gunn). Eric earned a BFA in Theatre Performance form Virginia Commonwealth University. He can also be seen around New York as his drag persona Madame Sparkle Monster. Thanks to friends, family, and the Powers That Be.
Kelsey Bentz (Ensemble, U/S Louise & Beauty) is excited to return to the Player’s stage! Kelsey hails from the farmlands in Oregon and is now a proud New Yorker. Favorite regional credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Heathers, and Promenade. Kelsey is an NYU Tisch graduate, and during the pandemic she created, produced and starred in a 40-episode virtual artist interview series called Avenue A, where she was honored to interview the likes of Alice Ripley, Melissa Errico and Michael McElroy. Very thankful to be on stage again during these uncertain times. Love to my family.
www.kelseybentz.com
Austin Boatwright (Ensemble, U/S Chance) hails from the sunny shores of Tampa, Florida and moved to New York City after a brief stint in engineering school to pursue his dreams. Austin was accepted to the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts where he earned his associate’s degree in acting. His stage credits include Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence), Radium Girls (Markley), and She Kills Monsters (Miles). Alongside acting, Austin is also an avid guitar player and loves to make music in his room. This is his first musical in NYC and he couldn’t be more excited!
James Brautigam (Chance) is a Long Island native who is very proud to be making his Off-Broadway debut with Literally Alive Family Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast. James is a 2021 graduate of Wagner College with a B.A. in Theatre Performance. In addition to being an Eagle Scout and playing trombone for the past fifteen years, James has also been featured as an extra on such TV shows as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Manifest as well as the MCU film Spider-Man: Far from Home. His past favorite theater credits include: 42nd Street (Featured Dance Ensemble), The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate Ensemble), Celebration (Reveler/Ensemble), and As You Like It (Duke Frederick/Duke Senior). Much love to Mom, Dad, my siblings, and my two little nephews, Kevin and Patrick. james@broadwaygams
Avery Ilardi (Child Spirit) is so excited to be back on The Player’s Theatre Stage! She was last seen in A Christmas Carol as Tiny Tim. She can be seen in the Kars4Kids Commercial playing the drums and in the just released movie The Elevator. Much Love to Brenda, Bobby, Michael and the rest of the Cast & Crew at the Player’s Theatre. Thank You to Mother, Father, Rosie and Giulia for the continued support and LOVE that allows me to continue to reach for the stars and follow my dreams. @AveryIlardi
Zaq Latino (Prince, U/S Beast) is an actor, musician, and composer. Off-Broadway: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (VBAP Residency at The Player’s Theatre); A Christmas Carol (The Players Theatre). Off-Off-Broadway: A Foray in Innocence (Teatro LATEA, NYTF); Accident Park: ‘Boo Short Play Festival’ (Steve and Marie Sgouros Theatre); Wonder Closet (Pushkin Hall); Stoned to the Wall (The Chain Theater Mainstage). Regional: Holiday Inn (Walnut Street Theatre); the developmental workshops of Shelter (Philadelphia Plays and Players); The Who’s Tommy (Theater Horizons Norristown). Although content playing male roles, Zaq is a non-binary person who aims to normalize gender non-conforming representation on professional stages. @zaqlatino
Raina Silver (Norma) is thrilled to be back with Literally Alive! Other Off Broadway shows include A Christmas Carol, Ectoplasm, and Murder on the Links. She received her BFA at NYU. Thank you to the incredible cast and crew! Website: RainaSilver.com
Matt Tierney (Ensemble, U/S Papa & Prince) is just overall excited to be here! Matt got an AOS from NYCDA, and has since been spotted in every Trader Joe’s in Manhattan and Queens. Recent Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Players Theatre Mainstage), Stoned to the Wall (Chain Theatre Mainstage), A Foray in Innocence (Teatro Latea – NYTF), Electra (Theatre Dionysus). Other favorite credits include commercials for Head & Shoulders and Gym Source, and Sucker. Special thanks to Maria, Mom, and Dad. @TheMattTierney TheMattTierney.com Matt’s one man show Seeking Attention is premiering at the New York Theatre Festival May 5th, 7th, and 8th!
Devon Turchan (Papa) is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Since moving here they’ve been delighted to perform at the Players Theatre in Sleepy Hollow (Ichabod Crane), A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit) and Murder on the Links (Hercule Poirot). Recent Cleveland credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Hedwig) and Cabaret (Emcee) at Blank Canvas Theatre; Show Boat (Gaylord Ravenal) and Hair (Claude) at Near West Theatre; and various works with Talespinner Children’s Theatre. Turchan graduated from The E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and has worked as a newspaper journalist, a marketing director and a grant writer in addition to directing and teaching theatre.
(Michaela Winter (Ensemble, U/S Norma & Fairy) is thrilled to be returning to the Player’s Theatre stage in Literally Alive!’s production of Beauty and the Beast! As a proud AMDA graduate, she is grateful for the opportunity to create in an environment that actively supports artistic freedom and discovery. Past credits include Alice in Alice and Wonderland (Player’s Theatre), Susan Waverly in White Christmas (Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts), and Nova in Nova: An Original Ballet (Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts). Above all, Michaela would like to thank her family for their unyielding love and support.