NEW ULM — The Academy Award-winning film “Beauty and the Beast” comes to life on stage at State Street Theater Co.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Become a part of bringing this enchanting story to life! Open auditions at the State Street Theater, 1 N. State St. (enter at Washington Street back parking lot, door 7) will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23. Auditions will also take place on Saturday, May 25, 12:30-3 p.m.

A variety of roles are available and all ages are welcome to audition, including children. First-time actors are warmly welcome. Auditions will be a cold read from the script and singing. Rehearsals will take place from May through July. The rehearsal schedule will be determined on cast availability.

Performances will be held Friday through Sunday, July 26-28 and Friday and Saturday, August 2-3, under the direction of Anita Prestidge and Seth Rausch. For more information, please email statestreettheater@gmail.com or call 507-359-9990.

“Beauty and the Beast” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (MTIShows.com). The production is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.