SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — Community theatre groups are one of the joys of summer in a rural area like ours, and the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop (SCDW) is the longest-standing community theatre group in our area, having been producing theatre here since 1950.

SCDW will present “Beauty and the Beast” from August 12 to 14 and 19 to 21 at the Rivoli Theatre. The musical spectacular is based on the iconic 1991 Disney animated film with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The story is adapted from the well-known French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont.

An arrogant young prince falls under a spell when he turns away an old beggar woman and is transformed into a hideous Beast (Tim Buckley). He and all who live in the castle, who are slowly turning into objects, are condemned to this fate until he can learn to love another and win her love in return. Belle (Amanda Bercze) stands out as odd in the small provincial town where she lives, and dreams of escape to far-away lands with daring sword fights, and a handsome prince in disguise. Can Belle be the one to break the spell on the Beast after she finds herself under his power in his castle? All of the Disney film’s favorite characters come to life onstage along with the Beast and Belle.

The SCDW has an opening-night special where all tickets are half price for the August 12 performance only. Tickets are available at the box office one hour prior to curtain for each performance, or purchase them online.