ATLANTA – You could say Caleb MacArthur just had a “beast” of a night.

The Oconee County native is a swing and understudy in the National Tour of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” — and last night, at the show’s opening performance at the Fox Theatre and in front of family and friends, McArthur stepped into the role of Beast.

It was a true full-circle moment for the University of Michigan graduate, who first entered the Fox as a middle school student, when his choir group took a trip to the iconic venue to see “Wicked.” MacArthur also has a long history with “Beauty and the Beast,” having done the show at a community theatre when he was in seventh grade.

The current National Tour of “Beauty and the Beast” stars Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle and Broadway actors Fergie L. Philippe and Stephen Mark Lukas as Beast and Gaston. As for the show itself…well…you already know everything there is to know about “Beauty and the Beast,” right? Adapted from the 1991 Disney film — the first animated film to ever be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards — the musical features a score of memorable tunes including “Be Our Guest” and the timeless theme song.

Performances will continue at the Fox Theatre through Sunday, presented as part of the current Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season. For more information on showtimes and tickets, click here. And click the video player in this article to hear from Caleb MacArthur about his magical opening night!

Almost 16% of Georgians are at least 65 years old. It’s important that this age group stays fit, with plenty of resources to do so. WorldAtlas has a list of the eight liveliest towns in the Peach State to help them out:

Peachtree City

“Golf lovers will enjoy Peachtree City, where 135 holes of championship golf are spread across five clubs, both in town and in neighboring Newnan. … Battery Way Park and Boat Ramp sit along the East Lagoon at the east end of the lake. Here, residents launch off from the boat ramp and spend a day fishing, ideal for those whose idea of keeping on the go means being on the water. Northeast of the lake, the Glenloch Recreation Complex offers soccer fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, and exercise studios.”

Valdosta

“The city of Valdosta makes it easy to remain active thanks to the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. … The tower is a hotspot for birdwatchers. … Fifth Day Farms offers a change of pace that keeps you outdoors while surrounded by wildlife. … However, if you want to stay closer to the heart of town, McKey Park is a popular green space that houses the Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center. … The surrounding park also includes a sand volleyball court and walking paths.”

Thomasville

“Known as the ‘City of Roses,’ downtown Thomasville hosts the annual Rose Show and Festival. … Events include an artisan market, antique car show, parade, and, of course, a flower show. … The heart of town is characterized by its Victorian-era buildings, many of which have stood for over a century. Among these, The Bookshelf is a popular local bookstore where you can select your newest read. … Afterward, you can wander around and explore plenty of other hot spots, including the Thomasville History Center.”

Dahlonega

“Seniors who find peace in the great outdoors will appreciate Dahlonega, a mountain town south of Lake Zwerner. Residents are welcome to walk the lake or launch from the boat ramp for a day of fishing. … Those looking to learn more about the town’s history can explore the Consolidated Gold Mining Company through its underground gold mine tour. … Dahlonega also hosts events, including the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, which gives locals a chance to celebrate Appalachian culture.”

St. Mary’s

“Outdoors-loving seniors will appreciate St. Mary’s, known as the gateway to adjacent Cumberland Island. Walks across the island take you along the Marsh Boardwalk and near the Ice House Museum. … You will also see the Dungeness Ruins, a former 59-room Queen Anne mansion with many of its walls still standing. If you prefer not to visit the island, you can spend time at St. Mary’s Waterfront Park. … Along the way, you can enjoy sights of the St. Mary’s River or even set out on the water from the boat launch. For those who would enjoy getting to know the town better, you can head out on the St. Mary’s History Walk.”

Woodstock

“Seniors stay engaged and occupied in Woodstock, thanks in large part to its walkable downtown, which is packed with activities. For those simply trying to stay out for the day, The Park at City Center features paths winding around the gazebo and fountain, both of which are notable landmarks. … The park is adjacent to the Woodstock Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Currently regarded as (n)orth Georgia’s best outdoor music venue, the amphitheater hosts the annual Woodstock Summer Concert Series that brings together musical acts from pop to rhythm and blues.”

Adairsville

“Those who want to get out under the sun can head to Manning Mill Park. This local favorite boasts a 5-acre lake where residents can take a stroll. Also, it includes a baseball field, plus basketball and tennis courts for seniors. Historic Downtown is also an easy way to get your steps in as you walk past 19th-century storefronts. The Little Rock Cafe on the north side of the district offers simple home-style Southern food, including catfish and fried taters. One of the liveliest events of the year is the Great Locomotive Festival, an annual event that has taken place for nearly 60 years.”

Decatur

“DeVry University sits in the heart of town just next to the DeKalb History Center Museum. This spot in Decatur Square includes highlights such as the John Lewis Statue, a tribute to the civil rights icon and congressman. While you are here, you can step into the DeKalb museum itself to learn about our country’s past. … Just across the street, you can pop into Foxtail Coffee for blueberry muffin chai or an espresso. Afterward, you can walk through the many stores in the area, for example, HomeGrown Decatur, a gift shop that focuses on handmade artwork.”

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

ATLANTA – A high-speed pursuit on Interstate 20 in Fulton County ended in a deadly gas station crash on Monday afternoon, leaving an innocent bystander dead and three others badly hurt.

What we know:

Investigators said that a Georgia state trooper tried to stop a Hyundai Elantra traveling west on I-20 in Fulton County around 2:40 p.m. The driver was allegedly speeding at 90 mph in a 55 mph zone, authorities said. 

The driver, later identified as 26-year-old Fre’shun Tyai White of Marietta, initially slowed down before suddenly speeding away. White crossed all lanes of I-20 West and exited onto the Boulevard exit ramp before abruptly merging back onto the main highway, nearly causing a crash.

The initial trooper was unable to safely follow White back onto the interstate and was forced to exit onto Boulevard. 

A second trooper who was nearby saw White merge recklessly back into traffic and tried to catch up with the vehicle, police explained. 

Before that second trooper could reach him, White exited onto the Hill Street ramp at a high rate of speed. Investigators believe White lost control of the Hyundai Elantra, crossed Hill Street, and crashed into a gas station parking lot.

The vehicle struck a parked car inside the lot. 

Chatanna Ohiyesha Patterson, 51, was standing beside that parked vehicle and died from injuries caused by the impact.

White, a passenger in his vehicle and the driver of the parked car were all seriously injured in the crash. 

All three were taken to the hospital. 

White is charged with vehicular homicide in the first degree and serious injury by vehicle, along with other related charges. 

What they’re saying:

“Tonight, a family is grieving the sudden loss of a loved one, and our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by this tragedy. Moments like this leave lasting pain for families, friends, witnesses, and the broader community. While the investigation remains ongoing, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers created when drivers make reckless decisions and flee from law enforcement,” the Georgia State Patrol said in a statement. 

What we don’t know:

The current condition of those injured in the crash is unknown.