Ryan Edwards, an Arlington resident, plays Lefou, the nutty sidekick of Gaston, in his sixth show with the Stanwood-Camano Island-based musical theater group, Lyric Light Opera, which is presenting “Beauty and the Beast,” the story of a strong-willed young woman who, through the power of love, breaks a spell that turned a handsome young prince into a hideous beast.

“This is my sixth show with Brenda Mueller and I love the energy that she infuses into the cast during rehearsals.” Some of his other roles have included Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Alonso in “The Tempest,” Archie Beaton in “Brigadoon,” Ali Hakim in “Oklahoma,” Max in “The Sound of Music,” and Charlie in “Annie Get Your Gun,” among others.

Another familiar face, the technical director at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, Bob Nydegger plays Belle’s eccentric but charming father in the production.

Nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Beauty and The Beast” enjoyed the longest run of any musical on Broadway (13 years) and has been seen by 25 million people.

The Lyric Light Opera production is presented at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays July 11 through 25, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

Reserved seating, tickets range from $15 to $32. For information see the Web site at www.mcintyrehall.org.