FLEMING ISLAND – The Island Theater will perform Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" until Sunday, June 9.

The auditorium seats were packed during last week's opening weekend.  Dancing, singing and soliloquies retold the classic fairy tale story which shows how true beauty resides in one's character.

As is the norm with the Island Theater, the production was highlighted by stellar vocal performances led by its lead roles and charming ensemble. 

The actors and actresses creatively channeled the image and likeness of the anthropomorphic characters. Nathan Turoff, as Cogsworth, moved around the stage with a charming, mechanical hobble. Ronald Foster, as Lumiere, had a hilarious stage presence and effortless charisma. The two actors displayed genuine chemistry. 

Sarah Crouch as Belle was one of the lead actresses. She has been performing in theater since she was seven years old. 

"This was my first production (with the Island Theater). Everyone was so welcoming. It was so fun to play a classic character," she said. 

Aaron Burdick as the Beast was one of the lead actors. This was his fourth production as a lead. 

"It's a great musical. It's a great cast," he said. 

Before the opening weekend, he said he was "excited and nervous and feeling all of the feelings."

Crouch and Burdick commanded commendable range on stage, capturing emotional highs and lows.

The Island Theater is a nonprofit that provides theatrical education for youth and adult participants. To purchase tickets, visit theislandtheater.com/beauty-and-the-beast-tickets.