This classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Playing the role of Belle is Marisa Sponhouse, a graduate of Millersville University in early childhood and special education. She has performed in various theater organizations and events and was previously cast in the Community Theatre League’s production of “Bridges of Madison County.”

Belle is one of the main characters in “Beauty and the Beast,” the story of which revolves around her choice to take her father’s place in the Beast’s castle and ultimately help lift the spell that has been placed on the Beast and the rest of the enchanted objects in the castle.

“Belle is seen as an outcast of sorts in her small town — she is very kind and charitable, but she isn’t like most women in the town,” Sponhouse said. “She is intellectual, outspoken, driven and a dreamer. She is always reading a book and daydreaming of a great adventure she one day hopes to take. She fiercely defends those she loves and cares for, which causes her to often put others’ needs over her own.”

The Beast is played by Nathan Fulkerson, a graduate of Mansfield University in music education with an emphasis on vocal music. Fulkerson has had opportunities to be involved with several theater organizations, including the Community Theatre League for the last five years.

Beneath the guise of a monster is a young man who is constantly reminded of the mistakes of his youth. Haunted by his past choices and plagued by the anger fueled by his monstrous appearance, he has become a hopeless creature for which redemption is seemingly impossible.

“That all changes when he meets Belle,” Fulkerson said. “Her kindness shows him that he is not the monster that he appears to be — that he is capable of love and being loved in return.”

A show of this magnitude — the largest in CTL’s 46-season history in sheer size, budget and complexity — has been a work in progress for over a year now. Directing “Beauty and the Beast” is Community Theatre League Executive Artistic Director Seth Sponhouse.

“It was around December 2022 that we started solidifying CTL’s 46th season,” Sponhouse said. “And while we were prepping for last year’s production of ‘Ragtime,’ which played at the CAC, we knew we wanted to come back with not only something larger in scale but also something for the entire community! The entire process from start to finish has been nothing but an amazing time — full of laughter and joy!”

CTL has only ever produced “Beauty and the Beast” one other time, in the early 2000s, with a cast of around 28 and no live musicians, which was perfect for their theater on West Third Street. Moving this production to the Community Arts Center, they knew they had to make this larger-than-life story feel as though it lives in that beautiful theater.

“It has been a great joy to really make sure this production feels like it jumps off the stage!” Sponhouse said. “With over 60 community cast members, a 20-person orchestra, and all the magic we could find — I’m certain you will feel something quite exciting when you are in the theater with us!”

Fulkerson believes “Beauty and the Beast” is one of the greatest movies to come from the Disney renaissance of the ’90s.

“The advancements in animation coupled with an incredible score written by Alan Menken made for a wonderfully memorable tale that has been enjoyed by countless people since,” he said. “The musical adaptation of the story brings the magic to the stage for old and new Disney fans alike!”

Marisa Sponhouse has always loved the story of “Beauty and the Beast,” which is still to this day her favorite Disney movie.

“Something about the characters and story have always held a special place in my heart,” she said. “It is a story with a lot of heart and joy. Every character brings this story to life and creates an entertaining story for all ages.”

CTL was excited to bring this family show to the entire community, as it was always a dream for them as an organization to produce at the Community Arts Center.

“‘Beauty and the Beast’ is the perfect show for families to enjoy together,” Sponhouse said. “I know all of us on staff and in the cast and crew are honored to help make that happen for a new generation of families.”

This production of “Beauty and the Beast” is the same story that audiences fell in love with in 1991 when the animated classic swept across the globe.

“With all the same songs that have been engrained into our society, you won’t be able to stop yourself from tapping your toes, bouncing in your seat, or maybe getting a little teary in the ballroom while our Mrs. Potts, played by the ever-stunning Megan Fisher, sings a version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ you won’t soon forget,” Sponhouse said.

Marisa Sponhouse said she hopes the audience at the CAC leaves the theatre feeling enchanted and whisked away in this classic story.

“I can’t wait to hear their laughter and see some of the younger audience members entranced in our storytelling,” she said. ‘It’s a show where I hope the audience will remember those ideas of kindness, giving second chances, and looking past the outward appearance of others and instead looking more inward to their character and values.”

“I hope that the audience comes away with the same sense of joy and nostalgia that I felt helping to create this production,” Fulkerson said. “It’s a timeless tale with great characters and incredible music, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play my part to bring it to life on the Community Arts Center stage!”

Sponhouse believes there is something truly wonderful about this story that has connected with audiences for decades, whether they grew up with it, watched it with their children, or were reintroduced to the story with the newest movie adaptation.

“‘Beauty and the Beast’ has characters that are not only easily recognizable (even if they are a clock or a candlestick) as well as a lesson of kindness that everyone should be reminded of,” he said. “It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter how lonely we feel at times, we are never truly alone. It’s two and a half hours of pure Disney magic, and the chance for all who attend to leave their troubles at the door and relax for those few hours.”