Ellington

Closed Door Entertainment will tell "a tale as old as time" with a three-weekend run of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast." The musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film opens tonight at the Catoosa County Colonnade.

Thirty-one actors, under the direction of JC Smith, will bring the show to life. The production is marked by custom-painted backdrops, professionally built sets, hand-sewn costumes and a nearly 20-piece orchestra.

Six evening performances and two matinees are plan-ned. All of the evening performances are interpreted for the deaf.

Preceding the Dec. 10 matinee performance, is a Princess Tea Party at 11:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy "low tea" with various Disney princesses, including Belle, Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

The menu will include tea sandwiches made with various meats and vegetables; savory scones, such as cheddar and herb; sweet scones, made with strawberry and blueberry; tea breads, such as banana and zucchini; teacakes and cookies, along with a pot of hot tea.

Princess Tea Party tickets are sold in conjunction with show tickets for an additional $10. Limited seating is available. No outside photography or filming will be allowed.

Reservations are required for the party and are recommended for all shows.

According to Smith, this will be Closed Door Entertainment's final production at the Colonnade. The company will move to Chattanooga's Tivoli Theatre, a larger venue, in 2012.