It was an evening of enchantment and celebration, as the Santa Clarita Regional Theatre in association with the Canyon Theatre Guild, kicked off its inaugural season with its superbly rendered production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," presented at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center.

The musical extravaganza attracted hundreds of theater-goers who packed the house and took in the sights and sounds of one of Disney's most beloved stories, beautifully brought to life under the outstanding direction of the theater's executive/artistic director, TimBen Boydston and Patti Finley, the theater's artistic director of the family season.

As part of pre-curtain the festivies, 100 guests enjoyed a "First Nighters" dinner party at the lovely Valencia home of local theater patrons Bill and Cathy Kennedy just down the street from the Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of College of the Canyons.

As the curtain rose, guests of all ages enjoyed the Broadway-caliber performances of a stellar cast and crew who brought the colorful tale to life. The show starred CTG newcomer Hallie Sager as Belle, the village girl who loves to read and is considered "different" by the rest of the villagers in her provincial town. Sager, whose beauty matches her first-rate vocals, brings a charming yet strong portrayal of Belle, who spurns the marriage proposal made by the vain and villainous Gaston ( Billy Davis) who vows to have her for his wife, no matter what. Belle's eccentric inventor father, Maurice ( Jymn Magon), wanders into the Beast's castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast ( George M. Chavez II). Chavez, a CTG favorite who once again commanded the stage to deliver a crowd-pleasing performance.

The principals also include Tamarah Ashton-Coombs as Mrs. Potts (the housekeeper who is turning into a teapot), Kelly Roberts as Lumiere (the very French maitre d' who becomes a candelabra), Ed Hill as Cogsworth (the officious English major domo who is becoming a mantle clock), Joy Norton as Babette (the French maid who is turning into a featherduster), Sean Kelly as Chip (Mrs. Potts' teacup son), and Mari Miranda as Madame De La Grand Bouche (the opera singer who becomes a wardrobe). Gaston's silly sidekick, Lefou, is played by Eleazar Del Rosario. Kudos to the entire cast and crew for a job well done!

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" runs from July 28 through August 19, with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and Sunday afternoons at 2 PM. There will be Saturday matinees at 2 PM on August 11 & 18. Tickets are available through the Canyon Theatre Guild's box office at (661) 799-2702.