Cathy Dobson
Theatre Sarnia’s upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast features 26-year-old Hilary Dutourgeerling who says she couldn’t quite believe it when she was cast as the main character Belle.
“Beauty and the Beast was my all-time favourite movie growing up and the first big show I saw on stage in Toronto,” says Dutourgeerling.
“When I auditioned in May, I would have been thrilled with any part but landing the role of Belle was a little bit surreal.
“I know it sounds strange but it wasn’t until we had a Facebook page for the play that it finally started to sink in.”
Dutourgeerling grew up in Sarnia and said it seems like she’s been preparing for this role all her life.
She took tap and jazz classes as a child, went to Carrie Beauchamp’s Hidden Talents summer camp as a young teen, and was part of the Nightingale Christmas production for eight years.
At St. Clair Secondary, she participated in high school musicals and helped choreograph a junior version of Beauty and the Beast for Rebound youth.
When she graduated, Dutourgeerling joined a revival ministry and travelled throughout the U.S. for 18 months, visiting churches and leading songs as part of a praise team.
Having returned to Sarnia in 2013, she now teaches singing and works as a support worker. Last year, Dutourgeerling participated in Theatre Sarnia for the first time and was part of the ensemble for Mary Poppins.
This year, she’s front and centre, singing favourite songs like “Home” and “A Change in Me.”
“There’s so much I like about this production,” she said. “On the surface, I can say I like the songs and the beautiful yellow dress, but I go a little deeper and I can say I love Belle’s love of reading and her relationship with her dad. I’m a daddy’s girl too.
“I also admire Belle’s loyalty and the fact she sees what’s on the inside, not just what’s on the outside.”
Since Disney released the Academy Award winning animated film in 1991, Beauty and the Beast has been a beloved family movie, then a play. In 1994, the Broadway adaptation opened and became the ninth longest-running production in Broadway history.
The story is one of a selfish and cruel prince who is magically transformed into a hideous Beast, and the bright and independent young woman named Belle who he imprisons. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle’s love.
This heartwarming story reminds us that people are not always what they seem and shouldn’t be judged by their outward appearance.
“I love community theatre,” said Dutourgeerling. “And Beauty and the Beast is magical. It’s funny at times but also serious. I think it has a take-away for everyone.”
The Theatre Sarnia production is directed by Jan Walker-Holt, with Frank Brennan as musical director and choreographer Renee Deejay.
The cast has more than 40 singers, dancers and actors including Michael Hillier as the Beast and Trevor Morris in the role of Gaston.
IF THE GO:
WHAT: Theatre Sarnia’s Beauty and the Beast
WHEN: Nov. 18, 19 & 23 – 26 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 20 and 26 at 2 p.m. Dress as your favourite Disney character at the matinees.
WHERE: Imperial Theatre
TICKETS: $35 adults; $30 seniors; $25 young adults; $17.50 youth. Call 519-344-7469 or visit www.imperialtheatre.net.