By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Video by Anna Devarenne

Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo admits that or most people, when you mention “Beauty and the Beast,” they immediately think of the Disney version.

The junior company’s “Beauty and the Beast” production, which opens today, is actually based on the book.

“It is all your favorite characters and the same storyline, but just slightly different from the Disney version,” Mosolygo said.

Belle—a bright, beautiful young woman—is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside.

“We did ‘Beauty and the Beast’ about five years ago and I thought it would be an appropriate time to visit an old favorite story with a brand new cast and some updated costumes and scenery,” Mosolygo said.

The show is about an hour long, making it perfect for families with small and older children, Mosolygo said, adding that “besides opening night all productions are matinees so it is a great time for families to come.”

So the only evening production is tonight, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. All other showtimes are 2 p.m. March 16 , 17, 23, and 24. All performances are at the Ballet’s Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Tickets that are available are $18. For tickets, visit grballet.com or call 616-454-4771, ext. 10.