Tale as old as time

Bonjour! Bonjour! Préparez-vous, as the French say, because Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be playing in San Luis Obispo from July 11 through 20 at the Spanos Theatre. Kelrik Productions is producing the play, and Erik Austin directs as this classic Disney movie comes to life on the stage.

The play tells the story of a beautiful young girl named Belle who leads a provincial life in a provincial town. When her father is held hostage by a cruel Beast—really a handsome prince under a curse—Belle selflessly takes her father’s place at his enchanted palace. In between catchy, upbeat songs and brooding love ballads, Belle falls head over heels for the Beast, in a brilliant example of Stockholm Syndrome. 

All the original songs from the Disney movie will be included in the play, including “Belle,” “Gaston,” and the classic “Tale as Old as Time,” along with several new ones with the music written by Alan Menken and the lyrics by Tim Rice.

Those who purchase VIP tickets will also receive a light-up commemorative rose. For more information about showings and ticket prices, go to pacslo.org.

Come what may

If you have a hankering for humor, comedian Ralphie May will be performing at the Fremont Theatre in San Luis Obispo the same week that veteran stand-up Margaret Cho comes to Cal Poly.

May made his comedy debut on the very first season of Last Comic Standing in 2003. He has also worked as a writer and producer for Mohr Sports on ESPN. Since then, he has recorded five comedy albums and has appeared on several comedy shows. In addition, May was also voted one of Variety’s “10 Comedians to Watch” in 2008. He will be filming his sixth comedy special in October of this year at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wis.

May is known for his credo that as long as whatever he is saying is true, it should not be considered offensive. This covers anything from ethnic or gender stereotypes, little people humor, and whether or not gay people deserve to have parades. He is also adamant about people learning how to take a joke. Needless to say, this performance is made up of mostly adult material, and is not suitable for young children.

The show is presented by Otter Productions Inc., and will be on Friday, June 11, at the Fremont Theatre. For more information about ticket pricing, go to pacslo.org.