The Perry County Middle School Pegleg Players will bring a beloved classic to the stage later this month with their production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m. All shows will be held at the Perry Park Center.
The 80-minute musical, designed for middle school performers, is based on the 1994 Broadway production and the 1991 animated Disney film. The production features a cast of 32 students and is directed by Robbie Riehn, with Carly Baer serving as music director and choreographer.
The story follows Belle, a bright and independent young woman, and the Beast, a prince cursed under a magical spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love and earn love in return before time runs out. Along the way, audiences will meet a cast of enchanted characters who help guide Belle and the Beast toward friendship and love.
The cast includes narrators Dax Hille, Brooke Palmer, Dewey Warren and Ava Hemmingway; Rhys Gregory as the Beast/Prince; Josie Hoelscher as the Old Woman/ Enchantress; Elaina Taylor as Belle; Macie Stueve as Gaston; and Adalynn Taylor as Lefou.
Also featured are Rosie Brunner, Willow Sutterer and Alexis Peterson as Les Filles de la Ville; Peyton Wools as Maurice; Annabelle Zerr and Faith Denton as Wolves; Gracelynn Grein as Cogsworth; Saylor Blechle as Lumiere; Saoirse Love as Babette; Delilah Adams as Mrs. Potts; Jaelyn Redecker as Chip; Alyana Galeski as Madame de la Grand Bouche; and William Randolph as Monsieur D’Arque.
Ensemble cast members include Cain Amberger, Ally Bridges, Brock Carey, Peyton Coffey, Lily Cooper, Khloe Galeski, Jade Markwell, Abi Parmer, Hayden Warren and Torin Zahner.
Behind the scenes, the production is supported by Chloe Cox, Taylor Cox and Lillian Kiefer backstage. Sets are designed by Jessica Adams, Carly Baer, Amy Redecker, Robbie Riehn and Mindy Taylor, while costumes are coordinated by Robbie Riehn and Tina Mueller.
The production features classic songs from the Academy Award-winning film, including “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” along with selections from the Broadway musical.
Tickets are $8 and may be purchased in advance online at pcmsd.booktix.com or at the door prior to each performance. If a child occupies a seat, a ticket is required.
Following each performance, audience members will have the opportunity to take photos with Belle and other cast members in the lobby.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, which provides all authorized performance materials.
