"Beauty and the Beast Jr."

Apple Tree Arts presents "Beauty and the Beast Jr.," a junior version of the classic Walt Disney musical.Tickets will be sold at the door.

The play tells the story of a young handsome prince’s fate after a powerful spell is cast upon him. He turns into an ugly beast and is confined to an enchanted castle. The Beast must learn to love another person who in turn must fall in love with him in order for the spell to be broken.

The musical is very popular among young actors and audiences according to Lisa Scarlett, theatre arts director of the community music and theatre arts school. "It is one of the most beloved musicals of our time because of its romantic theme, beautiful costumes and outstanding music. The show provides many opportunities for students to sing and dance. Cast members spend a lot of time on the stage performing," Ms. Scarlett said.

 The 30 cast members have been rehearsing twice a week since October. Students are from Grafton, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Northbridge, Sutton and Uxbridge.

 The main characters include Belle, the beautiful girl captured by the beast, who is played by CC Frederickson of Uxbridge; the Beast who is portrayed by Andrew Baker of Northbridge; Gaston, Belle’s burly, unwanted suitor is portrayed by Ted Kiritsy of Grafton; Lefou, his side kick is played by Ashley Scarlett of Grafton; and Lumiere, a candelabra is played by Allie Benbenek of Shrewsbury.

Cast members play several other notable parts. Grafton students Daniel Murphy and Declan O’Flaherty share the role of the clock Cogsworth. Marissa Irwin of Shrewsbury and Maeve Pond of Sutton share the role of Maurice, Belle’s father. The role of Mrs. Potts is shared by Lauren Guertin of Grafton and Rachel Stevens of Northbridge. Chip, a tea-cup is played by Emily Brann of Shrewsbury. Delaine Burke of Grafton and Amanda Frost of Shrewsbury share the role of Madame de Grande Bouche.

Several actors from Grafton play different characters. Abby Rogers plays a Narrator and a Villager. Liz Kelley plays a Sausage Curl Girl, a Narrator and a Villager. Lauren Guertin portrays Mrs. Potts, an Aristocratic Lady and a Villager. Julia Sweeny plays a Silly Girl and a Villager. Alyssa Luber plays a Bookseller, a Villager, and a Wolf.  Delanie Burke portrays Madame de Grande Bouche and a Lady with a Cane. Daniel Murphy and Declan O’Flaherty share the role of a Fisherman and play Villagers. Declan Keeler portrays a Villager, Candle Man and Egg Man.

 Many Apple Tree Arts staff, faculty and volunteers worked together to produce the show. Ms. Scarlett and Laurie Baker, early childhood music and theatre arts teacher, were co-directors.  Catherine Flayhan developed the unusual props for the characters and acted as assistant stage manager with Noelle Scarlett. Costumes were created by Sue Wiersma and Connie Hopkins. Darrel Baker managed the sound system with the assistance of Lauren Baker.

 Parent volunteers assisted with the show in many ways. They created the shows’ marquee, assisted with make-up, coordinated refreshments and helped to promote the show.

Founded in 1989, the nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization has grown to serve over 1,000 children and adults annually with early childhood music classes, group keyboard lessons, private music and voice instruction, ensembles, theatre arts programs and concerts.  For more information, visit www.appletreearts.org.