A pretty girl and a prize-winning miner with a green thumb find love in "Beauty Lou & the Country Beast," a Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) production set to take the stage at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Friday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m. The show is the third of six offered this summer as part of the Quick Center's Children's Summer Theatre Workshops.

Adapted from the classic fairytale, this original country-western production features Beauty Lou, the eldest daughter of bronco-busting balladeer Buckaroo Bob. At a county fair, Lou is upset by the ungrateful behavior of a miner who wins a blue ribbon for his roses and wishes that he would turn into a beast. Years later, the pair finds a love that looks beyond appearances to find inner beauty.

Now in its 14th season, the Children's Summer Theatre Workshops offers six weekly sessions for young people in grades 1 through 12, each culminating in a Friday evening performance. Throughout the week, the participants rehearse their roles with directors from MCT, the country's preeminent professional children's theatre company. They take workshops led by professionals in movement, improvisation, arts and crafts and more.

Tickets for "Beauty Lou & the Country Beast" are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and children 2 to 12. Children under 2 are not admitted to help make sure the children on stage can give their full attention to their performances. Discounted group rates and subscriptions are available.

For tickets, call (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.

Posted On: 06-01-2003 09:06 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 297