New Tampa Players to Perform ‘Beauty and the Beast’

TAMPA, FL – When the New Tampa Players were looking for a place to perform “Beauty and the Beast,” the University Area Community Development Corporation told them, “Be Our Guest.”

The New Tampa Players will begin its production of the Disney musical next weekend on Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m. at the University Area CDC, located at 14013 N. 22nd St. in Tampa.

“The New Tampa Players always has the challenge of finding building space, rehearsal space and performance space,” said Nora Paine, the director of production for New Tampa Players. “We are thrilled to partner with UACDC.”

Melissa Doell will be featured in the starring role of Belle, while Adam Shoemaker will have the co-lead as the Beast.

Shoemaker will also be joined by his whole family in the production: His wife, Amy, appears as the Wardrobe. Their daughter, Claire, is Chip the teacup, while their other daughter and son, Gail and James, participate in the ensemble.

“It’s amazing to have an opportunity like this that we can all share,” Adam Shoemaker said. “This is our summer activity. Being together means we can help each other with lines, music dancing – the kids know the script better than my wife and I do. Community theater makes for a unique and unforgettable family experience.”

Aside from finding a location to perform, the New Tampa Players were also challenged by producing a beloved and well known musical with some interesting characteristics, Paine said.

“(We) had a few challenges bringing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to the stage,” she said. “Our costumer, Shelly Giles, and her incredible team have hand-built most of the costumes, including the Wardrobe, Mrs. Potts and Lumiere.”

Kari Ann Stamatoplos, who comes to the New Tampa Players by way of Indianapolis, is the director of “Beauty and the Beast.” G. Frank Meekins, who directed the New Tampa Players’ first-ever production, “They’re Playing Our Song,” will be the musical director. Meekins has musically directed other New Tampa Players musicals, including “The Sound of Music,” “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Mary Poppins.”

Tickets for the production are $20 for adults, $17 for students and seniors and $15 each for groups of 10 or more.

The performance dates for “Beauty and the Beast” are:

• Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, July 31 at 2 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m.

For tickets, visit www.newtampaplayers.org. For more information on the University Area CDC, visit http://www.uacdc.org/.

Image courtesy of New Tampa Players

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