The Sudbury Theatre Centre has a beast on the loose, one who's looking for love in all the right places.

The Beast (Jonathan Purvis) may be slightly scary at first glance, but he is just a lonely gentle outsider. Can we actually believe him when he says, "Do not be afraid. I will not harm you." Beauty's father, the gentleman Blotti (James R. Woods) becomes disoriented in the forest and comes upon the castle of the Beast. Before he is allowed to leave, he promises that his daughter Beauty (Erika Santillana) will come to the Beast's castle. But, what will happen when she is under the power of this unpredictable Beast?

The tale, engagingly told by playwright Warren Graves, has captivated audiences both as a story book, a play and a movie. Even though the Disney version has become widely popular, it is certainly not the only way of telling this timeless tale.

Beauty's less-than-charming sisters are played by Jessica Moss as Rougi and Helen Juvonen as Jonquil. Manello, who has eyes for Jonquil, is played by Stuart Constable.

Artistic Director David Savoy has invited Luisa Appolloni, from the Stratford Festival, to direct Beauty and the Beast as her directorial debut with STC.

Eamonn Reil returns from Shaw Festival as Stage Manager with Shirley Stenabaugh serving as Apprentice Stage Manager.

There are exciting Broad-sword moments in Beauty and the Beast that will have audiences marveling. Award winning stage combat director and fencing expert Matthew Richardson joins the cast to create these edge-of-your-seat duels.

Doug Robinson's magical set design provides the director with the perfect stage setting to create a series of non-stop memorable moments. Costume designer Charlotte Robinson has surrounded herself with rich fabrics as she takes her characters from poverty to wealth. Travis Hatt returns to STC with another one of his haunting beautiful lighting designs.

Beauty and the Beast plays weekends only at the Sudbury Theatre Centre from December 2 to 18, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Ticket prices range from $18.50 for student and children to $24 for December 2's preview performance; $29.25 for seniors and $34.50 for adults. There is a special family pack of four tickets for $70.

Tickets are available through the STC Box Office at 705-674-8381 ext 21 or on line at STC.

- Judi Straughn