Oglebay Institute's 'Beauty and the Beast' comes to Ohio University Eastern Oct. 26

Oglebay Institute

Oglebay Institute's Beauty and the Beast Youth Ballet Cast October 2026

Ohio University Eastern will welcome the Oglebay Institute School of Dance Youth Ballet Company to campus for a performance of “Beauty and the Beast,” on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m.

The family-friendly production will bring the classic fairy tale to life through dance as more than 40 young performers take the stage at OHIO Eastern. Directed by Cheryl Pompeo, “Beauty and the Beast” combines choreography, elaborate costumes and imaginative staging to tell the story of Belle, a young woman whose journey leads her to a mysterious castle and an enchanted Beast.

The performance continues a partnership between OHIO Eastern and Oglebay Institute that brings performing arts experiences to campus and the surrounding community.

“Art and the performing arts play an important role in the cultural enrichment of our students and the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Kellner-Muscar, dean of campus and community engagement at OHIO Eastern. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with Oglebay Institute and the opportunity to welcome these talented young dancers to our campus each year. We look forward to seeing them take the stage in our theater and sharing another memorable performance with the Ohio Valley community.”

Audiences will see familiar characters from the story, including Belle, the Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip and Gaston. The production also features an ensemble of wolves, enchanted trees, feather dusters, silverware and townspeople performed by members of the Oglebay Institute School of Dance Youth Ballet Company.

“This production showcases the dedication, artistry and joy of our Youth Ballet Company dancers,” Pompeo said.

Pompeo serves as director and choreographer for the production, with additional choreography by Kristin Carson, Kathleen Gottus, Kim Kafana, Rebecca Moore and Maria Wood.

For more than 90 years, Oglebay Institute has provided arts, culture and nature-based experiences throughout the Ohio Valley designed to inspire creativity, learning and community engagement.