Literature Comes to Life

When creating a musical, writers often turn to the influences in their everyday lives for inspiration. Throughout the history of Broadway, many shows have been written based on life lessons, songs, TV shows and books. In fact, several shows at Starlight Theatre this season were inspired by books, including Matilda the Musical, The Bridges of Madison County, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and, of course, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

In support of the Disney classic, Starlight partnered with presenting sponsor, U.S. Bank, and with several area libraries to spread the word about Disney’s Beauty and the Beast coming to its outdoor stage July 13-19. The library partnership gives families throughout metropolitan Kansas City a chance to win tickets to see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, while encouraging children to read throughout the summer.

Participating libraries, including Mid-Continent Public Libraries, Kansas City Public Libraries, Kansas City Kansas Public Libraries and North Kansas City Library, are distributing bookmarks to young readers throughout June.

Mid-Continent Public Libraries has taken its participation to a new level, creating displays that to spark the imagination and entice library patrons to stop and browse. Displays at Mid-Continent branch locations include everything from the “Beauty and the Beast” book by Jan Brett, other books that became musicals, props that might be seen in the show and even a cut-out of Beauty and the Beast for the ever-popular selfie.