There was a time when I had watched Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" film enough times that I didn't really feel the need to see the Broadway production of the same. I knew the songs, by heart. I knew how it ended: happily. I knew that Beauty saved the Beast and a lot of other household items, and true love triumphed and the bad guy fell off the castle.

But word that two Napans were recreating the lead roles of Beauty and the Beast on stage at Solano College Theatre was enough to make me admit I had never seen how they translated singing candlesticks and dishes, not to mention neurotic clocks, to real life, Disney style.

Thus last Saturday night I found myself at the sold-out production, surrounded by quite a few enthusiastic little ones, many in princess dresses, for a reprise of the "tale as old as time."

And my only regret is that that was the last night of a truly marvelous production and now it's too late for anyone else to see it.

I did, however, see quite a few Napans scattered through the crowd, including our own fine actor, Dan Monez of Dreamweavers fame.

So outstanding was this production, directed by George Maguire, I can't see how a touring Broadway show could have done it any better. From the intricate and lavish sets to the superb singing and dancing, to the glittering costumes of the dancing spoons and forks, the show was sheer delight.

Playing the role of the brainy beauty who tames an embittered beast was Katie Lynn Winchell, who has appeared in many Napa college productions as well as in shows at the White Barn. Petite and spunky she was an ideal Belle. Her powerful voice soared through the classic songs of the piece and her wry sense of humor added a thoroughly appealing touch to the character. When she is being courted by the boorish, muscleman Gaston (played with gusto by Joshua Hollister), and she is caught in a headlock by her ardent wooer, Winchell's comic expressions were priceless.

As the Beast imprisoned by his own selfish shortcomings was Bret McLaughlin, another Napa native, turned in an absolutely enthralling performance. His rich voice and deft characterization lifted the Beast far beyond any cartoon version.

But the two weren't the only reason this production shined. Justin Du Puis, as the flirtatious French candlestick Lumiere, and Robert Ponce as his sidekick, Cogsworth, the clock were marvelously funny, and Kirsten Lunde brought another lovely voice to the character of Mrs. Potts, the enchanted tea pot, and Daniel Lachman was spot-on and utterly charming as her son, the tea cup Chip.

More comedy was provided by Chris Pedersen as Belle's eccentric inventor father, and Elizabeth Andrews as Babette the feather duster, Patty Penrod, as the operatic wardrobe and Trevor Wright as Gaston's much abused sidekick, Le Fou.

Among the excellent ensemble was Jesika Salt, a recent Napa High grad.

Altogether, the engaging cast brought such talent and spirit to this show, it resulted in an entirely enjoyable experience, even for someone who once knew every song by heart.

With its highly praised acting program, Solano College has a well-earned reputation for outstanding theater. If this is any example, then it's well worth the short drive over the hill to experience it.

Next up, Solano College presents the thriller, "Wait Until Dark," directed by Hector Correa at the Harbor Theatre, 720 Main St., in Suisun. A preview performance will be on Nov. 9, for which admission is $10. "Wait Until Dark" runs from Nov. 10-27, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Admission is $10 for students (with valid student ID) and children, seniors/military $12, and regular admission ranges from $12-$19.