‘Beauty and the Beast’ off to a roaring start

Courtesy photo

Kary Curletto, center, playing Belle, is surrounded by fellow cast members during a practice for Signature Production’s upcoming performances of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center.

By Jeff O'Brien

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 | midnight

Courtesy photo

From left, Kari Curletto as Belle, Erik Ball as Gaston and Evan Litt as LeFou practice for Signature Production's upcoming performances of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center.

Courtesy photo

Al Mendoro, left, plays the Beast and Kari Curletto plays Belle during a practice for Signature Production's upcoming performances of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center.

The Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center came alive Monday for "Beauty and the Beast," kicking off a monthlong run for the show that concludes Nov. 22.

The stage was filled with eye-catching costumes and colorful sets, providing a "visual feast" for the audience, said Steve Huntsman of Signature Productions.

"We wanted to show the human nature of the characters coming out through their costumes," Huntsman said. "Our cast has been working very hard to bring substance and depth to their characters."

Signature Productions is a community theater troupe that was founded in 1989. The troupe has been operating out of the Summerlin Library theater for the past 12 years.

Two Las Vegas residents, optometrist Dr. Karl Larsen and attorney Victor Austin, founded Signature Productions when they felt there was a need for quality family entertainment in the Southern Nevada.

The group puts on three shows each year, with casts ranging in size from 50 to 70 people. Past productions have included "Peter Pan" and "A Grand Night for Singing," with costs ranging from $35,000 to $120,000 depending on production requirements.

Kari Curletto moved to Summerlin last year from Dallas. She is making her debut with Signature Productions as Belle — the Beast's love interest and one of the most recognizable heroines of all time.

"Every little girl has her princess that she grows up admiring, and Belle was definitely mine," Curletto said. "It was a dream come true to get this role."

She described her character as feisty with a bit of "spunk."

"She's not your average princess," Curletto said. "She's strong and stands up for herself. I hope I'm kind of like that, but in real life I'm probably a little more shy and subdued."

The cast members come from all walks of life, Huntsman said, ranging from people with little or no stage experience to seasoned veterans.

"It's a creative outlet for all of us and we all volunteer our time," he said. "It's rewarding. Stressful sometimes, but rewarding."

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.