For its lucky 13th presentation, Gottlieb Bartley Productions, the
midvalley-based, youth-focused theater company founded in 2005, is
bringing the classic story of “Beauty and the Beast” to the Wheeler
stage.
And there’s something about an all-kid production of a fairytale that just makes you smile.
“Kids are way more open to experiences,” says musical director Corey
Simpson. “As adults, we kind of put on a bit of a mask. We learn how to
be what’s considered appropriate. But with kids, they’re willing to put
themselves out there and take risks that adults sometimes struggle to
do. They’re willing to look funny and silly, and that’s a big
difference.”
The quality of the production also hinges on the quality of the story.
So when director Adam Bartley and choreographer Jayne Gottlieb,
co-founders of GBP, are choosing a piece, they not only pick ones that
have lots of parts with which to showcase the talents of the students,
but also ones that have an engaging tale.
“We are always looking for shows with a ton of parts and as many
musical numbers as possible so we can highlight the kids,” says
Gottlieb. “But we also want something that’ll be interesting to
audiences. And when we have scenes where 60 kids are on stage at once,
it’s really very emotional.”
For Simpson, the emotion also comes from the songs themselves.
“Having worked with the music of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and seen and
heard those lyrics hundreds of times, I still tear up about what’s
being said. I’m going to have a box of Kleenex down here in the pit.
Everyone knows these themes, but hearing about a mother caring for her
daughter unconditionally and loving people unconditionally regardless
of what they look like on the outside are touching sentiments everyone
can relate to.”
As student stars of the musical, the opportunity to play demanding roles is an acting challenge they relish.
“I think it’s just wonderful they picked such an intense show as
‘Beauty and the Beast,’” says Carbondale Community School seventh
grader Ethan Griggs, who plays The Beast. “What we’re doing is great,
and I recommend it to kids who are looking for a passion. But if you
try it and you don’t like it, fine. But if you like it, you should
stick with it.”
This production marks the first time GBP has performed at the Wheeler
Opera House, a fact not lost on Gottlieb or actors like 13-year-old Zoe
Levine, who has been in nearly 10 Gottlieb Bartley shows.
“It’s a relief to finally be at the Wheeler,” Levine says, who plays
the role of Belle. “The sets and the costumes make me act better.
You’re feeling it already, and the costumes help me be the character a
lot more.”
For Gottlieb, while performing at the Wheeler is certainly a treat, her focus for the company isn’t performing in Aspen.
“We’re definitely a midvalley-based company and we want to stay that
way because we get kids from Glenwood to Aspen,” she says. “But being
up here is such an honor, and the quality of our show, from a technical
standpoint, is just amazing.”
Ultimately, however, this show — and all of GBP’s shows — are about
showcasing local youth talent and fostering a love of the arts.
“All the kids in this valley are so maxed out with school and skiing
and spring break and outdoor education, that when we finally make time
and get them to commit to something like this, the results are nothing
short of incredible,” says Gottlieb. “And in the end, it’s the kids who
are shaping our vision.”
And for all the adults out there looking to get in on the Gottlieb
Bartley Productions action, the theater company will be performing an
all-adult version of “42nd Street” for one of its upcoming musicals.
damien@aspendailynews.com
