‘Be our guest’

‘Beauty and the Beast’ opens at

Kitsap Forest Theater this weekend.

Ila Faubion loved Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” from a young age.

On Sunday, May 25, the high school senior from Seattle will take centerstage at Kitsap Forest Theater as Belle from the Disney classic.

The Mountaineers Players’ 85th spring musical production opens this weekend at the Kitsap Forest Theater on Seabeck Highway in Bremerton. The production staff decided “Beauty and the Beast” would be a great show for the outdoor theater.

“It was just sort of thrown out one day and everyone said that would be cool,” said Gala Lindvall, a co-producer. “It just sort of caught the imagination of the production staff.”

Faubion auditioned for the role of Belle in February and rehearsals for the production began in March. The cast of about 35 consists of actors ranging in age from 5 to about 85, Faubion said.

“I really like the group of people. Rehearsing outside for seven hours a day, you develop a really bonded cast,” Faubion said.

“Beauty and the Beast” includes many musical numbers people will recognize from the Disney movie as well as original selections.

“There’s the ones from the movie and about 10 more,” Faubion said.

Lindvall said “Beauty and the Beast” conveys a powerful message about love and will delight more than just children.

“I hope people don’t think of this as a children’s story because it’s not,” Lindvall said. “It’s about love and transformation “We’re going to bring this story to life.”

Rehearsals have gone smoothly, according to Faubion, but the outdoor theater provides its share of challenges such as lighting.

“We’ve had a few technical problems, but it’s coming together,” Faubion said. “It’s going to be really good.”

“Beauty and the Beast” opens at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at the Kitsap Forest Theater in Bremerton.