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The story of a beauty and a beast has been told for centuries, maybe not in the Disney way but in all different forms of storytelling. So why would I choose to tell this tale as old as time onstage? Because this is a story that reaches the hearts of all who experience it. On the surface, it is a beautiful love story as Beauty and the Beast overcome all odds. But as we dig deeper into the true meaning of the story, it is about overcoming our own self-doubt and letting ourselves be loved. In a world where we are continuously inundated with information and opinions, sometimes we need to take a step back and find what truly matters most.

As I watch my own children grow up in this age of information and technology, my wish for them is that they will allow themselves to be loved. Too often, we succumb to the temptation and enticement of society and think that we can only be loved if we look a certain way or have all the things that celebrities have. If we can see through all the “fluff” on the surface, we will see that what really matters is finding love within ourselves, much like the Beast is able to do throughout his journey in this story. As the Beast’s heart is softened, it’s not that Belle falls in love with him or the Beast with her, it’s that he finally learns to love.

I hope as you experience this story with us, you will not only absorb the beautiful scenery and magical characters, but you will also feel a change in your own heart. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tale with us. I hope that you will leave here loving yourself a bit more. As you feel that love grow in your own heart, share it with a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a stranger. The change we want to see in this world must start from within ourselves.

Much Love,

LeAnna Hamblin

Director’s Bio

This is LeAnna’s second round as director for Syracuse City Arts Council. While she may have gotten her start in the theatre world late in life while working on productions at her children’s elementary school, she has been involved in music and performance from a very young age. She loves to work behind the scenes as director, assistant director, and stage manager, and has also helped with props and costumes on this and other shows. She currently serves as the Theatre Chair on the SCAC and is a member of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. She loves to share the arts with the community through her participation in these organizations.

LeAnna is a mother to five gorgeous and busy children and the lucky wife of one incredible husband, without whom, none of this would be possible. She teaches sixth grade at Ellison Park Elementary and takes pride in educating young minds.

LeAnna hopes that as the community grows, she will be able to continue serving by bringing all different forms of art and education to the citizens. Her desire is that Syracuse will someday have its own performing arts space to make this readily available and that many lives will be enriched through the arts.