Devon Holstad
Contributing Writer

While it may be “a tale as old as time,” Masquers Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is as fresh and entertaining as the 1991 animated musical that first captivated imaginations of children and adults alike.

Within the first moments of Act One it becomes clear that the actors and actresses onstage (whose ages range from elementary school to those with over 20 years of theatrical experience) are just as excited to be in the Forest Lake High School auditorium as the audience, which makes the event that much more fun.

Doniver Ahlm, who plays Cogsworth the enchanted clock, putting into words what can be seen on the faces of the cast, said, “the audience is what spurs us on.”

After the opening number the tone of the show is set, and the liveliness never backs down. With Stephanie Anderson (Belle) and Bill Bender (the Beast) leading the way, the energy and enthusiasm put forth by all members of the cast creates a result that is truly spectacular.

Anderson, with a Broadway worthy voice and tremendous acting, makes you forget that you’re merely an audience member and she is only an actress. Although “Beauty and the Beast” is Anderson’s first Masquers show she takes control of the stage like a seasoned veteran.

Bender, who is taking part in his seventh Masquers production, gives such a moving performance as the cursed beast that it tugs at the heartstrings.

But it’s not only the main characters that make the show. Dustin Roman as Gaston, Brian Etienne as Lefou (Gaston’s sidekick that can best be described as ‘wacky’), John T. Zieler as Lumiere (the enchanted candle holder with an entrancing French accent), Ahlm as the grumpy clock, Tony Nobles as Belle’s father Maurice, and the rest of the cast all work with each other so well that it makes the show flow smoothly and without a hitch.

There are, however, a few spots during the show where you are reminded that not everything can be perfect. Being a community theater production, there are of course some unpolished actors, an issue that will be easily remedied by time and experience.

Besides, it is undoubtedly tough to produce a perfect show anywhere, let alone a community theater with such varying degrees of talent and experience.

Director Janice Murphy, however, takes the challenge in stride. “That is part of what makes a community theater,” she said.

“Anyone can get involved if they have talent, a great attitude and are willing to work very, very hard. I really enjoy teaching people who are new to theater how to move on stage; seeing them build their character and seeing their excitement as that process starts to work inside them. I love it when someone gets the ‘theater bug.’”

And by no means do the few moments in question take away from the overall performance. The heart and soul of the show doesn’t lie in the skills and ability of the cast (although both are abundant), but in their dedication and heart.

Said Bender, “There’s no monetary reward; the reward is the community.”

Etienne, when asked what makes community theater worth it for him, replied, “it’s this stuff,” waving his arm towards the people mingling with the cast and crew after the opening night show. “Big shows don’t feel as close to the community,” he said. Anderson agreed, saying, “community theater is so much like a family.”

Forest Lake is certainly lucky to have a community theater company like Masquers, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and the significance of that milestone is not lost on Masquers President Wes McDonald.

“I have always been proud to be a part of community theatre in the Forest Lake area. A community such as the Forest Lake area should have more than one face to it,” he said. “A community should not be all about sports, or all about tourism, or all about learning, or whatever the case may be.”

McDonald continued, “What gives the community an identity is the variety of things that it can offer to everyone. That is why it is so important to have live theatre in Forest Lake...Masquers is proud to have brought 30 years of productions and we are looking forward to another 30 years!”

With more shows like “Beauty and the Beast,” the next 30 years will certainly be just as great as the last.

The cast and crew of “Beauty and the Beast” have dedicated so much time and energy into the performance, and the outcome is a show that blows away any expectations of what community theater is (or should be) like.

Don’t miss “Beauty and the Beast,” for it truly is something magical.

Two more weekends of productions remain on the schedule.

In addition to a 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, July 22, “Beauty and the Beast” will have 7 p.m. curtain times this Friday and Saturday, July 20-21 and again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 26-28.

Tickets prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased at the Yellow Bus Children’s Shop at the Lake Shoppes in Forest Lake, or by calling 651-464-2112 or online at www.masquerstheatre.org.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

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