Noonan Students to Perform ‘Beauty and the Beast’

The stage is set, the lights are on, and the students are ready to perform in Noonan Academy’s spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast”.

Drama director, Marta Koonce, who has directed the musicals at Noonan Academy for the past sixteen years, said that she looks at the cast from the previous year – what are their strengths, and figure out what show would work best.“Beauty and the Beast was the right choice to celebrate such an important milestone at Noonan.”

The students will play beloved characters Belle, Beast, Lumiere, Chip, and Mrs. Potts in a performance that rivals local high school productions.

Kseniia Iatsenko, of Tinley Park and attending Benet Academy next year, will play Madame De La Grande Bouche, said she enjoys participating in Drama because it’s fun, especially this year as it’s her last year in drama.“I love the story of Beauty and the Beast.”

Katrina Klepczarek, of Frankfort and attending Lincoln-Way East next year, will play a Featured Dancer, said that she likes playing the role because she loves being on stage and doing these performances with her friends.“I love that this is one of the last things that I get to do with all of my friends before we graduate.”

Isabelle Markionni, of Frankfort and attending Lincoln-Way East next year, will play Mrs. Potts, shared that she loves how Mrs. Potts is on top of everything and is something that she aspires to be.“I grew up with this story, that’s why I love it so much.”

Emmaline Mueller, of Tinley Park and attending St. Laurence next year, will play a Le Filles De La Ville.“I like how Beauty and the Beast is a big show, especially because the club is celebrating its 20^th anniversary.”She went on to say that she loves acting and is excited to play a Le Filles De La Ville.

Mary Oshokoya, of Matteson and attending Providence Catholic next year, will play a Le Filles De La Ville.“I’m excited to play this role because she is so happy and bubbly, just like me.”She mentioned that she is sad that this is the last musical that she gets to do at Noonan with all of her friends. But she is excited about what the future holds.

Graysen Pionke, of Orland Park and attending Benet Academy next year, will play Belle, said that she enjoys playing this character because she’s determined and courageous.“I connect with those qualities of Belle.”She is also looking forward to this year’s production because it is a bigger production than ‘Newsies’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Brian Vong, of Frankfort and attending Lincoln-Way East next year, will play Gaston. “It’s a lead role, and I get to really be out there, showing off my muscles and strutting around.”

With opening night scheduled for this Friday at 7pm, all of the student performers said that they have a lot of fun participating in the Noonan Academy Drama Club and in the musicals each spring. They cannot wait to take the stage and bring this tale as old as time to life. There is also a special connection that many of the Drama Club members share; many of their older siblings, aunts, and uncles have been a part of past performances at Noonan.

“It’s a tradition here at Noonan”, Koonce said. “I’m very happy that the same families come back. They are great, and they support the program so much.”

Tickets are $15.00 each and can be purchased at the door 30 minutes before the start of each performance using cash, Zelle, or a check made out to “NEA”.Performances will take place at the Noonan Academy Jr. High building, 19101 Henry Drive in Mokena. Show times for “Beauty and the Beast” are:

Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:00pm
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00pm
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:00pm
Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00pm

Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Academy, for more information.