EDISON — Lustig Dance Theatre, in collaboration with Middlesex County College, will present Graham Lustig’s “Beauty and the Beast: A Gothic Romance” at the college’s Performing Arts Center this weekend .
There will be a couple of new faces on stage on Feb. 20. Gracie McCann, an 11- year-old from Edison, and a few other local children and students of Lustig’s Dance and Wellness studio will perform with the company in the professional ballet production.
Set in the mysterious Pine Barrens in the early 19th century, a narrator in the persona of the original author, Madam Leprince de Beaumont, guides the audience through this love-lost, love-regained romantic story. Danced to string sonatas composed in 1804 by the then-12 year-old Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, the ballet also includes a traditional bone-playing finale and a happily ever-after ending. The leading roles will be danced by Peggy Petteway and Kendell Dempster, accompanied by LDT company members and the lively students from the LDT Dance and Wellness studio.
Gracie, a fifth-grader at Lindeneau School, will play the role of one of the narrator’s children.
“My favorite is the wedding scene because it has the most dancing, and the dancing is my favorite part,” Gracie said.
She has been dancing since she was 3 years old, but “Beauty and the Beast” will be the first time she shares the stage with the professional company. Her family and friends are all supportive of the big honor.
“Gracie has the love of dance in her heart, and we love watching her express that in her performances. We are very proud of her,” said her mother, Christine.
Also being presented is “Uncertain Steps,” a nod to the occasionally improvised moments in baroque dancing. Three couples bring the elegant dances to life. The ballet unfolds in patterns, both formal and decorative, inspired by Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6, which will be played live by cellist Sölen Dikener.
The show will be performed at the Middlesex County College Performing Arts Center at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Audience members are encouraged to dress in their best and most original “Beauty” or “Beast” costume to win prizes. Costume judging will be decided after the performance by the ballet’s two leading dancers. Tickets are $10 for MCC students, $15 for children and other college students, and $25 for the general public. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.brownpapertickets.com.
The performance is funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, with assistance through a grant provided by New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.