If you love musicals – or simply enjoy a good show – grab your tickets and mark your calendar for another stellar performance at 100 Mile House Junior Secondary School.
This year, the drama students are presenting Disney’s Beauty And The Beast Jr., a classic favourite for theatre and movie buffs.
Director Lisa Dugaro says the annual musical is always a popular attraction in the community.
“In the past, it’s been a really big draw. This year, we chose Disney’s Beauty And The Beast Jr., partly because it is so well beloved.”
The actors are also at an age where they grew up watching this Disney classic, Dugaro adds.
The full length musical was put on at the school in 2007, but she notes this one will be a little different.
“It’s actually Disney’s Beauty And The Beast Jr., which is a bit shorter than the full-length broadway musical, and the arrangements are made with junior singers aged 12-14 in mind.”
It has been cropped down from two hours to about an hour-long show, but Dugaro says it still contains all the songs popularized in the Disney movie, as well as two additional pieces – “Home” and “Human Again” – from the Broadway production.
There are four actors playing Belle and two full casts, the director explains. With 38 students and “an abundance of talent” Dugaro says she wants to showcase them all, but notes there aren’t enough roles to go around.
“We will have alternating days between those who are going to be the principal characters.”
All of the background, chorus and villagers, will be on stage every night, and the second full cast will be there as extras.
It is Dugaro’s first production at the school, although she produced You Can’t take It With You and Alice in Wonderland at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School, where she has taught drama for two years.
“I’m really impressed with the students, who can already sing and dance.
“The commitment of the students combined with the talent makes me feel this is really going to be a winner of a show.”
The main performances are June 6, 7 and 8 with 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances each day in the school gym (with a theatre and rotating stage). Tickets are $10 at Donex, Didi’s Boutique, and at the door.
Actor’s families, friends and anyone else who would like a premiere peek can opt for tickets to the final dress rehearsals at half price ($5) on June 4-5, with 7 p.m. shows only. However, seating is limited, so get those tickets early.
