Demand for tickets has driven Brookhaven Little Theatre to add three more performances to its upcoming run of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical.”

Set for March 31 to April 10, the musical will be at the theater located at 126 West Cherokee St. Tickets can be purchased by calling 601-990-2243 or online at brookhavenlittletheatre.com.

Show times and dates are now:

Thursday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m.

Monday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 9, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m.

 

Real-life couple Haven and Evan Busbin will star in the titular roles of the Beauty and the Beast.

“It is truly something special. Since we are married, we already have that connection, trust, and understanding that most actors have to build with each other over time. I love spending time with him, and we are both getting to do something we love together. It’s definitely an experience I will forever be thankful for,” said Haven.

“This has been a wonderful thing to be able to share with my wife. Whether it is on stage or practicing at home, she always makes everything so much easier for me,” Evan said.

 

While Haven is no stranger to the BLT stage with previous roles including Aquata in The Little Mermaid, Ms. Honey in Matilda, and Deb in Elf- The Musical, Evan recently made his theatre debut as Santa Claus in BLT’s production of Elf-The Musical.

“I have loved music and performing for years, but what drew me to BLT was the fact that I could do the things I loved and also get to spend more time with Haven since she was already very involved at the theatre,” said Evan.

Director Paden Phillips has high praise for the couple.

“Since Belle and Beast go through a lot of different emotions, feelings, and experiences throughout the show, finding two people who can make that believable can be difficult. So when the opportunity presented itself to use a married couple, especially one as talented as both a couple and as individuals, it was an easy choice for me as the director. Evan and Haven’s natural chemistry makes the show a more enjoyable experience for the audience.”

For Haven, playing the role of Belle is a dream come true.

“Belle has always been my favorite Disney princess. When I was little, I always loved that we both had brown hair, loved to read, and loved the color yellow. Now that I’m older, I also appreciate the lesson it teaches to be confident in who you are, to stand firm in what you believe, and to never judge someone based off of appearance.”

Haven is a native of Jayess, and is a kindergarten teacher and cheerleading coach at Topeka Tilton Attendance Center. Evan is originally from Tylertown, and currently serves as a worship leader/youth minister at First Baptist Church of Summit.