Maple School Set To Present 'Beauty And The Beast, Jr.' In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — The Maple School's annual spring musical, "Beauty and the Beast, Jr.," will be performed for the community in "be our guest" shows on Wednesday and Friday.

According to Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, more than 40 students in sixth- through eighth-grade, and 25 staff members, have worked since late fall to bring the middle school's production of this Disney fairytale to life.

The show is directed by Jamie Holmer, library media specialist, whose philosophy for each production is to find a role for everyone either on stage or behind the scenes – no cuts allowed.

"The goal of the program is to provide an inclusive and uplifting space for all students interested in any aspect of musical theater," Holmer said. "We focus on kindness, creativity, and teamwork, and strive to celebrate individual talents while growing as a group with common goals."

Cast members include: Sofia Shah, of Glenview as Lumiere; Andi Vallecillo, of Northbrook, as Babette; Jordyn Merfeld, of Glenview, as Madame; Caroline Ross, of Northbrook, as Cogsworth; and Lauren McGarry, of Northbrook, as Mrs. Potts; Dylan Gryll, of Northbrook, as Lefou; Ela Acikgoz, of Northbrook, as Gaston; Marisa Upchurch, of Glenview, as the Beast; and Sophie Lee, of Northbrook, as Belle.

Tickets for the show start at $10 and are available at eventbrite.com (search ‘Beauty and the Beast’ under ‘Northbrook.’)