Javea Players: A Magical Evening Guaranteed!

Jávea Players invite you into the magical world of an arrogant prince turned into a beast. The only way for the spell to be broken is for someone to love him. Despite being kidnapped and held in his weird house in the woods, Belle does just that – it is a fairytale after all! – surrounded by strange talking objects, such as a teapot, a cup, chandelier, a wardrobe and a clock.

Don’t be put off by ‘fairytale’. The music, set, costumes and special effects are stunning and will be appreciated by everyone: you’ll leave the theatre uplifted and singing!

Monsieur d’Arque, [Brian Mattes], the scheming proprietor of the local insane asylum, tries to help Gaston, a rather unsavoury character, to win Belle’s affections. Brian is Canadian and spent several years in Ajijic, Mexico, where he was President of a 122-seat English-language community theatre. He appeared in numerous productions there, having studied acting with coaches from Hollywood, London and Toronto. This is his fourth performance with the Players.

Apart from the main people, the cast of 18 from 10 countries includes versatile actors, singers and dancers, playing a variety of parts, from the village women to wolves. Alessandro Contardi started his stage career after attending a Jávea Players’ Acting Workshop, aged just 13. He has appeared in Shakespeare in Love, The Long Road and the recent pantomime. This time he is again the handsome prince after Belle and the Beast kiss. As his moment of glory isn’t until the end of the show, he also plays various other roles.

Jacqui Scofield plays Madame de la Grande Bouche, a loud-mouthed wardrobe, and a couple of the villagers and general ensemble are Helen Nicholls, who got bitten by the musical bug with Oliver! and Annette van de Wel.

Beauty and the Beast is Jávea Players’ 180th performance in their 49-year history and will be performed 2nd -7th May at the Unión Musical in Gata at 19.30, with a matinée on Sunday 4th May. Tickets are priced at €20; be aware that the gala night Friday 2nd May is already sold out. Last chance to buy your tickets – for full information see: www.javeaplayers.com.