The timeless Broadway-style musical of Beauty and the Beast will be preformed three times during Homecoming Week.

This play is a large production. It took four semitrailers to bring in the set and costumes for the play. Catherine Baumgardner, the head of costume, oversaw the unloading of the set and costumes.

“This is a large production,” Baumgardner said. “There are over 230 costumes being used in the production of Beauty and the Beast.”

Not only are there lots of costumes, but there are also many cast members as well.

The play will have more than 30 actors and 20 crew members. This does not include the orchestra and singers.

Dawne Swearingen-Meeks, associate professor and ACU theatre department chair, has helped this massive production stay on track as the director of the play.

“It’s been an extraordinary experience working with such a gifted group of actors and designers,” Swearingen-Meeks said.

“This story that appears to be simplistic at first glance is intelligent and complex.”

Because of how famous the story is, ACU theater decided it would focus on a few specific themes.

“The themes that we have focused on are transformation of the soul, restoration, light and darkness,” Swearingen-Meeks said. “This story teaches us about walking in love and community.”

When the students involved with the theatre department found out last February the Homecoming play would be “Beauty and the Beast” they cheered. There has been a lot of excitement and build up for this event.

“The students have really enjoyed being in this production,” Baumgardner said. “It is a beautiful set.”

Tickets to “Beauty and the Beast” can be bought online at acu.edu/theatre. Show times will be Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.