Charleston, SC, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The national tour of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ opens in Charleston, featuring local talent Lena Matthews. The production emphasizes themes of love and empathy, engaging audiences of all ages. Matthews, a Charleston native, serves as a swing cast member, showcasing her versatility as she covers multiple roles. The show runs for a week, offering a family-friendly experience with original team members from the first adaptation.
Charleston, SC – The national tour of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is set to open in Charleston on Tuesday, providing a special opportunity for local talent and audiences. Among the cast is Charleston native Lena Matthews, who previously attended the Charleston County School of the Arts. This talented performer has expressed her excitement about performing in front of her hometown audience, where family and friends are expected to share in the experience.
Matthews characterizes “Beauty and the Beast” as a beautiful story centered around love and the important lesson that open minds lead to open hearts. She has a passion for the performing arts, having begun her journey in dance before transitioning to singing. Matthews recognizes the competitive nature of a career in dance, which influenced her shift towards vocal performance. The comprehensive training she received at the Charleston County School of the Arts greatly contributed to her growth in acting and dance, serving as a foundation for her career.
After further training in New York, Matthews has joined the national tour, marking the first tour of “Beauty and the Beast” in 25 years. This production not only features a blend of classic storytelling and music but also includes diverse elements such as tap dancing and humor that aim to engage audiences of all ages. As a swing cast member, Matthews is responsible for covering multiple female roles, necessitating her constant readiness to step in whenever needed. This aspect of her role showcases her versatility and commitment to the performance.
The show will run through Sunday at the North Charleston Coliseum, with tickets available online. Including original team members from the first Disney musical adaptation, such as songwriter Alan Menken and director/choreographer Matt West, this production promises a high-quality experience. With memorable songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” the musical captivates audiences while imparting lessons against judging based on appearances and encouraging empathy.
Matthews emphasizes the family-friendly appeal of the show, which is designed to attract audiences of various demographics, including couples and families. She encourages local children to harness the power of their dreams, affirming the possibility of achieving personal aspirations through hard work and dedication.
This production not only aims to delight viewers but also serves as a reminder of the valuable messages contained within the story of Beauty and the Beast. With its rich history, talented cast, and engaging elements, the national tour provides a unique opportunity for both Matthews and the Charleston community.
FAQs
When does the national tour of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” open in Charleston?
The national tour opens on Tuesday and runs through Sunday at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Who is Lena Matthews?
Lena Matthews is a Charleston native and cast member of the national tour of “Beauty and the Beast.” She previously attended the Charleston County School of the Arts.
What role does Lena Matthews play in the production?
Lena Matthews is a swing cast member, meaning she covers multiple female roles during the production.
What are some of the themes of “Beauty and the Beast”?
The musical imparts powerful messages about love, empathy, and the importance of not judging by appearances.
Key Features of the Production
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Location | North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC |
| Show Duration | Runs from Tuesday to Sunday |
| Cast Member | Lena Matthews, Charleston native |
| Role of Matthews | Swing cast member covering multiple roles |
| Creative Team | Includes original members from Disney’s first adaptation |
| Popular Songs | Includes “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast” |
| Target Audience | Family-friendly, attracts audiences of all ages |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Charleston City Paper
- Encore Magazine
- Post and Courier
- Broadway World
- Wikipedia: Beauty and the Beast
- Google Search: Beauty and the Beast
- Google Scholar: Beauty and the Beast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beauty and the Beast
- Google News: Beauty and the Beast
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