“Beauty and the Beast,” a tale as old as time, was the Musical Theater Guild's fall offering under the direction of Larry Stock.

The audience at the Succop Theater appeared genuinely delighted by the production, which featured some stellar voices and wonderful portrayals of the classic characters.

The show opened with a rousing ensemble number introducing the audience to lovely Belle, the provincial town, and it's peculiar people.

The relatively simple sets enabled the sizable cast to strut their stuff around town. Well choreographed and expertly blocked, the characters moved comfortably through the scenes.

Whitney Angeloni Ruediger shined in the role of Belle. Her vocals, combined with a sweetness and sass, brought Belle to life in a most enjoyable fashion.

Ruediger's vocals were always spot on, but certain numbers gave her range and power a spot to shine.

She and her stage father Maurice, played by Eric Snyder, were delightful in their heartwarming number “No Matter What” in scene one but “A Change in Me” in the second act allowed Ruediger to showcase her power.

The evil villain Gaston, played by Matthew Buzanoski, was hard to dislike until the second act. He was expertly cast, not only for his brawn, but also his vocal ability.

His larger than life persona and witty delivery made him entertaining to watch.

His amusing buddy, Lefou, played by Tyler Pollock, complimented him well … literally. Pollock's willingness to be the butt of jokes and his physical comedy adequately depicted the familiar sidekick.

Patrick Erkman captured the role of Beast with his own unique style.

No stranger to the stage, he seemed to enjoy the role of both frightening and flattering his unexpected female guest.

A technical issue in Act One robbed the audience of the powerful “If I Can't Love Her” number but in Act Two Erkman nailed the reprisal.

The enchanted castle's cast of characters was immensely pleasing. Cogsworth and Lumiere, played by Jeff Carey and Shaun Klein, were a dynamic duo from their first scene.

Hilarious, snarky and silly, the pair played the roles with gusto. Their accents and delivery delighted.

Mrs. Potts and Chip played, by Beth Ackelson and Gracie Persichini, added the family touch to the cursed crew. Ackelson's “Beauty and the Beast” number was flawless and mesmerizing.

Davlin Smith can still hit the high notes and was perfectly cast as Wardrobe/Madame De La Grande Bouche. Haily Patsy wore several hats, literally, as she capably played Babbette, old beggar woman and the enchantress.

The castle crew did a fabulous job in both ensemble numbers of “Be our Guest” and “Human Again.” Their vitality and vocals were energizing and fun.

A host of other players rounded out the charming cast who delivered a wonderful evening of theater for both young and old. Toe-tapping tunes were provided by a talented orchestra under the direction of Jennifer Martin.

“Beauty and the Beast” was well done, a welcome escape from daily life to provincial life where love happens unexpectedly and we are reminded, never to judge others by their appearance. Timely.