Steinbach Bible College invites you to be a part of this "tale as old as time".

In celebration of 20 years of partnership, Steinbach Bible College (SBC) and Candlewick Productions Inc. present the classic Disney Broadway Musical, Beauty and the Beast November 8 to 10 at SBC.

"Be Our Guest!" The Academy Award-winning film comes to life in this romantic and beloved take on the classic fairytale.

As most people know, 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.

Richard Klassen, Executive Director of Candlewick Productions and professor of theatre at SBC, says, "We started with rehearsals at the beginning of September."

Rehearsals for nearly six hours a week, on top of all the students' usual university coursework.

When deciding which production to present this year, Klassen says they hoped for it to be a celebration because of the two decades of shows in their portfolio.

"Beauty and the Beat as being something that would connect with families and something that people would be familiar with," Klassen says.

"The storyline as well: opening up your life in terms of whether you want to live a selfless or selfish life and the repercussions of each."

Klassen says they always hope to convey a message with every production. "There are times when we do theatre for the medicine of humour," he says.

"I can tell you countless stories of people who come to a comedy and they just needed that extra laugh to give them hope."

For Klassen, having the chance to teach and mentor students in communicating with an audience on stage is a "fantastic" opportunity.

"I have learned a lot from the students as well. To see people live out the talents that God has given them of being an artist and to bring that to the stage. For me, that has been the most rewarding aspect is to see people excel with the gifts they have been given."

Tickets can be purchased for one of their three showing online or at the door.

Klassen says theatre-goers can be excited for and expect, "a laid back and enjoyable experience where you can come with family and friends.

"It's an experience to watch and be wrapped up in the presentation of  Beauty and the Beast."