The troupe's whimsical take on Beauty and the Beast, directed by Katherine Grainger, opened yesterday at Burnhamthorpe Library Theatre. It continues until Friday, with additional shows this Sunday and again on July 27.
The show stars Kathleen Phillips as the beauty Belle. She's introduced to the brooding Beast after the monster, who's really a prince put under an enchantment by a sorceress for his uncaring ways, locks up her father for innocently trespassing in his castle.
Belle offers to take her father's place, which the Beast readily accepts because he believes Belle can break the spell cast upon him.
However, like most Cow Over Moon productions, the hour-long show is expected to veer off in hilarious directions with plenty of audience participation. Using improvisation, the actors tell the ages-old fairy tale in fresh and imaginative ways, thanks largely to a cast of well-seasoned comedians.
The show also stars Terrance Balazo, Aaron Knight and Maggie Maloney with set design by Kristan Klimszak. The show features new original music co-written by the cast and Michael Balazo.
The troupe has been busy this summer presenting shows, but members wouldn't have it any other way.
"This summer is going to be crazy," said Grainger. "But we just can't wait to share our work with tons of kids and families."
Earlier this month, the troupe received positive reviews from Toronto publications Eye Magazine and NOW Magazine for a production of Three Magic Wishes at the Fringe Festival.
Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 16-18, and 2 p.m. July 20 and July 27.
Tickets cost $8 and $12. Visit www.cowovermoon.ca or call 905-510-8210.
cclay@mississauga.net
