CMS presents adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’

A conceited young prince learns a valuable lesson in Culpeper Middle School’s adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”  http://media.gatewayva.com/cse/slideshow/Beauty&theBeast/index.htm

When the handsome prince displays his disgust of a beggar woman’s appearance, he suffers the consequences and is transformed into a hideous beast.

Set in a French village, “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” features quirky characters dressed in flamboyant costumes and a predictable, yet cute, love story.

The two-act, witty play takes place tonight and Friday at 7 inside the CMS auditorium.

Satisfied with escaping into the fantasy world with books, Belle (sixth-grader Megan Leffler) dismisses Gaston’s (eighth-grader Matt Boone) empty marriage proposals and focuses on looking after her eccentric father, Maurice (eighth-grader Edward Sonifrank).

When Maurice is imprisoned, Belle makes a proposal the Beast can’t refuse.

“Release my father at once,” Belle orders. “Can’t you see he’s not well? Take me instead.”

Deal.

However, when the Beast (eighth-grader Marky Kennedy) starts to grow feelings for Belle, he fears she’ll reject him because of his gruesome looks.

“I let her go,” the Beast reluctantly tells his friends. “I had to.”

Drama director Deborah Edwards said she chose “Beauty and the Beast” because it’s fun and most people are familiar with the movie.

“We know that the kids would be really excited about the auditions and about the show,” she said during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal.

Edwards said the audience can expect “a very elaborate set, very entertaining show with lots of big characters.”

Music director Adam Hughes agrees.

“‘Beauty and the Beast’” is a familiar story that the kids know and love. We knew the process of putting together such an elaborate show would be difficult,” Hughes said. “But we also knew it would be enjoyable and worth it in the end.”

Hughes describes the show’s musical arrangements as “absolutely beautiful.”

“If you are familiar with this show, you should be pleased with what you hear,” Hughes said. “The principal roles and ensemble members should all be highly praised. They are a great group of talented kids that have been a pleasure to work with.”

Marky said he found playing the Beast fun.

“I like bossing people around a little bit,” Marky said during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal. “It feels pretty cool to be the master of the castle.”

Megan says the best thing about playing Belle is “talking to my friends and making new friends and having fun.”

Want to go?
What: Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Where: Culpeper Middle School forum
When: Tonight and Friday at 7
Cost: Adults $6, students $3