This weekend audiences will be treated to a visual extravaganza when the Atlanta Ballet presents “Beauty and the Beast,” April 7 through 9 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. As part of the Season of Rave Reviews Series, Atlanta Ballet will perform this classic to round out a season that has included favorites such as “Carmina Burana,” “Madame Butterfly” and the new hit, world premiered last May, “Sinfonetta Giacosa.”

“It has been a delightful season featuring some of the greatest hits of ballet,” said Atlanta Ballet Board President Karen Vereb. “It’s been exciting to see all that has happened this year from the Atlanta Ballet Boy Choir and the Michael O’Neal Singers joining Atlanta Ballet for an exhilarating ‘Carmina Burana’ to what I think was our best season ever of the ‘Nutcracker.’ I know many people who are excited about Atlanta Ballet’s upcoming presentation of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’”

This weekend’s presentation is the classic fairy tale of a handsome prince turned into an evil beast. Only by winning the love of the beautiful girl can he be transformed into his former self. Magic moments abound in this well-loved interpretation of the classic fairy tale. With a spectacular collection of music drawn from collaborating French composers, the inspiring score immerses you in this story of true love and good versus evil. Experience the ebb and flow and eventual triumph of the growing love between the lovely Beauty and the ghastly Beast.

Tara Lee will portray Belle, the beautiful prisoner, while Jonah Hooper will play Beast. Christian Clark will perform the part of Prince in this version of “Beauty and the Beast” choreographed by David Nixon, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds.

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest, continuously operating ballet company in the United States and the only dance company in Georgia to perform to live music, provided by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Atlanta Ballet 's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals.

Among Atlanta Ballet’s proud and unique 75-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall. Under McFall’s leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance.

Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education in 1996 and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. With diverse class offerings and student population, the Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet 's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization.

Tickets to this weekend’s show start as low as $10. Call the Ticketmaster Arts Line at 404-817-8700, stop by a Ticketmaster outlet or the Fox Theatre Box Office to purchase tickets to this event. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.atlantaballet.com. Groups of ten or more may call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at 404-873-5811 ext. 207.

With five chances to see the Atlanta Ballet’s “Beauty and the Beast,” don’t miss your opportunity to see this classic tale on stage.

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