Columbia, CA…Sierra Repertory Theatre has awarded the preview performance of its production of the hit Broadway musical “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” to Mind Matters to be used as a major fundraiser. “We think this is a great way for people, young and old, to enjoy a wonderful evening in the theatre while helping Mind Matters to pursue its goal to help individuals and families cope with the consequences of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities,” says Mona Kayton, the Mind Matters board member who is in charge of organizing the event.

The special performance will take place in the historic Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park on Thursday, June 14, at 7 p.m. In addition to the play, ticket holders will enjoy a reception starting at 5:30 that will include wine and other beverages, appetizers, and desserts. In addition, the theatre’s ice cream parlor will be open with a percentage of all sales going to Mind Matters. A raffle with two gift baskets, one for children and one for adults, will be held during the reception with the lucky tickets drawn before show time.

Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney movie and dating back to a late 18th-century classic French fairy tale, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. That is Belle’s challenge.

The Fallon House Theatre production stars Brooke Quintana, as Belle and Daniel Rubio, as the beast. Dann Dunn is the director and choreographer with Ben Van Diepen as musical director. The show will run from June 15 to July 29.

Tickets for the Mind Matters event are $35 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. It is open seating with no reserved seats. They may be ordered online at brownpapertickets.com or purchased at Mind Matters, 150 Big Trees Rd., Suite D, in Murphys. A Mind Matters board member has underwritten the theatre’s cost for the performance so all dollars raised will go directly to Mind Matters.

“Come enjoy a lovely summer evening at the theater,” urges Kayton. “Bring a child, invite other family members and know that you will be contributing to help off-set costs of services that we offer at Mind Matters which are developed specifically to target each individual’s needs.” 

Mind Matters is located at 150 Big Trees Rd., Suite D adjacent to the Murphys Post Office. For information about the clinic’s services, or to make a donation to help it meet its demands, contact Executive Director Trudy Lackey at (209) 728-2184, or visit the website www.mindmattersclinic.org.
####