Ballet to present ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Under the artistic direction of Jennifer Beasley, the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet (MMB) proudly presents its full-length production of Beauty and the Beast at the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Performances will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 3:00 PM, and Sunday, March 23, at 2:00 PM.
Featuring original choreography, stunning sets and costumes, and a cast of over 100 dancers from the metro-Jackson area, this timeless ballet is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Adding to the enchantment, attendees are invited to meet the cast at the “A Tale As Old As Time Parade” following both performances.
A timeless story of love and redemption, Beauty and the Beast follows the journey of a young woman who discovers the true essence of beauty beneath the surface. MMB’s production is based on the Grimm fairy tale and was originally choreographed by Jennifer Beasley and former Associate Director Erik Kegler. Last staged in 2015, this year’s production has been thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the storytelling and accommodate the expansive cast. A decade ago, the company had just 73 members—today, it has grown to over 100 dancers, necessitating the addition of new roles and scenes, such as the Rose Corps, Wolves, Deer, Ravens, as well as Lumière, the Teacup, the Teapot, Forks, and Plates. A new "Scary Forest" scene and a "Dinner Scene" within one of the "Animal Waltzes" will provide even more depth and visual splendor to the production.
Jennifer Beasley’s vision for this ballet has evolved over the years, much like MMB itself. When Beauty and the Beast was first staged in 2005 at an outdoor performance at Reunion, the production did not include a prologue explaining how and why the Beast and his entire court were transformed into animals. In 2015, Beasley introduced this key addition to better advance the storytelling, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the curse that lies at the heart of the tale. This expansion of the narrative reflects MMB's growth over the past decade, with the company thriving in both size and its continued strive for artistic excellence. As the years have passed, dancers have refined their technical and artistic skills, constantly pushing the boundaries of their craft.
Bringing this magical tale to life is guest artist Luis Ocaranza, a former dancer with Milwaukee Ballet and The Sarasota Ballet, in the role of The Beast. Dancing alongside him as Belle is MMB principal dancer Emily Garner, a senior at Madison Central High School who has trained with MMB for the past decade.
Belle was first danced by an MMB company member in 2005. However, in 2009, the ballet was rechoreographed for a professional ballerina. In a significant milestone for the company, an MMB company member took on this rechoreographed version for the first time in 2015. Now, a decade later, the company has grown even stronger, allowing another company member to perform this beloved role once again, demonstrating the depth of talent within MMB’s ranks.
"When we first staged Beauty and the Beast, we never imagined that just a few years later, we would have company dancers capable of performing the role of Belle," says Artistic Director Jennifer Beasley. "The fact that we are once again able to cast one of our own in this role speaks volumes about how much our dancers have progressed and how far our company has come. Our dancers are not only technically proficient but continue to develop the artistry needed to bring these characters to life."
This production is also a testament to the evolution of MMB’s leadership. In 2015, Jennifer Beasley worked alongside then-Executive Director Crystal Skelton to bring Beauty and the Beast back to life. Today, Skelton continues her influence as Artistic Associate, working closely with Beasley to bring the artistic vision of this expansive production to life. Additionally, Taylor Binkley, who danced the role of one of Belle’s sisters in 2015, now serves as Executive Director of MMB bringing support to both Beasley and Skelton. The leadership is a true reflection of the continuity and growth of the organization.
The evolution of this production not only highlights MMB’s growth but also incorporates more elements from the classic storybook version of Beauty and the Beast, appealing to young audience members. The addition of the enchanted objects, the animal characters, and the
"Scary Forest" scene further immerse viewers in the fairytale world, making this production a truly magical experience for children and families alike.
Over the past decade, Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet has transformed, much like the story it is bringing to the stage. The company has grown in both size and strength, adding more dancers, expanding its repertoire, and enhancing its productions. Through it all, Jennifer Beasley has remained the anchor of the company, ensuring that each production is professionally staged, meticulously detailed, and artistically inspiring. Her creativity, efficiency, and deep care for her dancers have allowed MMB to maintain a standard of excellence while evolving to meet the needs of its growing company.
Additional featured dancers include Grace Gardner and Sophia Huang of Madison, who will alternate as The Good Fairy, The Peacock, and Lumière; Annalyse Binkley of Brandon, who will portray The Bad Fairy; and Amelia McCaughan and Avery Shiflett of Ridgeland, who will dance as Belle’s Sisters. These talented dancers are members of the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, a non-profit, pre-professional ballet company that has been a cornerstone of the arts community for 32 years. MMB is also the only dance company in Mississippi affiliated with Regional Dance America/Southeast.
Following each performance, young audience members can step into the world of Beauty and the Beast at the “A Tale As Old As Time Parade.” Guests will receive a special treat from Belle and have the chance to meet and take photos with the cast.
Tickets for Beauty and the Beast range from $30 to $35, while tickets to “A Tale As Old As Time Parade” must be purchased separately for $16 each. Tickets are available online at
www.msmetroballet.com or by calling (601) 853-4508. Don’t miss this magical
production—secure your tickets today!