‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Cats’ arrive later this year

Six local theater groups will be beneficiaries this fall when Broadway in Hawaii presents national touring company productions of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

“Beauty and the Beast” opens Sept. 21 for a two week run through Oct. 3. “Cats” will open Dec. 28 for a one-week run that will include a performance New Year’s Eve.

Steve Boulay, COO of NewSpace Entertainment, also announced the formation of the Broadway in Hawaii Education Fund, which will give “much-needed financial support to arts programs in local schools, as well as programs offered through non-profit organizations.”

Boulay and NewSpace Entertainment have committed 50 cents per ticket sold to funding the new organization. Funds raised will be divided between the Friends of Kennedy Theatre Endowment Fund for Scholarships at the UH-Manoa Theatre and Dance program, the Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center, the Performing Arts Center of Kapolei, the Castle Performing Arts Learning Center, the Alliance for Drama Education and Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Tickets for both shows go on sale tomorrow at the Blaisdell Concert Hall Box Office, all Oahu WalMart stores, Sports Gear at Windward Mall, by phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.