Dancing star Crystal Cook arrives in Liverpool with Disney Live production

Mar 11 2010 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

Ask rising musical theatre star Crystal Cook who her favourite Disney character might be and she won’t hesitate to say Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

But then you might expect nothing else from an actress, singer and dancer who has signed up to play that very role in a worldwide tour lasting eight months.

The American is part of the mighty globetrotting crew from Feld Entertainment which has just arrived in Britain with the spectacular Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales.

When we contacted Crystal to talk about the show she was in the middle of the Glasgow run but, later this month, the company arrives at the Echo Arena in Liverpool where it can be seen from March 26-28.

This is Crystal’s first trip to the UK and she admits she is looking forward to absorbing the culture.

“I’m looking forward to visiting London, seeing the countryside and eating fish and chips! But one of the great things about travelling all over the world is being able to watch people as you walk along the sidewalk.”

Coming to the UK certainly means an easier time for the cast than they have experienced in other parts of the world, where they perform the show in the native language.

“When we arrive in a non-English speaking country, we have a language coach and spend the first few days learning the lines and the songs in that language. At least we don’t have to worry about that here,” said Crystal.

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales recreates the magic of three famous Disney films: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty & The Beast.

Unlike many acting assignments, Crystal explained that the last thing you try to do is bring a different interpretation to the role and instead try to capture the essence of the original film.

“After I got the role, I went back to the film and starting studying it in detail. Belle has always been my favourite Disney heroine. I vividly remember my dad taking me to see the film when I was very young.”

All the famous songs such as Be Our Guest and the title track are included and the same goes for the celebrated music from the other two tales as well.

It’s the perfect show for someone like Crystal who admits family is the most important thing in her life: “I do miss my family when I am on the road but I make sure I contact them several times a week. And when you are part of a company like this for so long, they kind of become your family anyway.”

And she admits she would love to continue performing in Disney shows in the future: “I love being part of a family show and watching the kids light up when we perform.”

Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales can be seen at the Echo Arena Liverpool from March 26-28.

Tickets, from £13, are on sale via www.echoarena.com or by ringing 0844 8000 400.