Why you need to see Shawmont’s Beauty & the Beast Jr.

Shawmont School has a proud tradition of music and theater, but this year all of that was dangerously close to being a pastime. The school had made way for an art teacher, which meant that there would be two, not three musical teachers contributing to the project. In the Fall, one of the two music teachers went out on leave, meaning the school show no longer had dedicated teachers and staff to orchestrate such a production.

The bad news that this year would have no school show was delivered to Principal McGrogan, who in turn delivered the message to Home and School. The message was received loud and clear, it wasn’t going to be possible. But wheels started turning, and passion started to surface. Could this Home & School, full of new officers and faces, get the support needed to pull off such a production? People started volunteering and offering support, and Rose Westerfer was the one very brave sole who stepped up to lead the charge. With one person to lead the way, the message was delivered that the SHOW WOULD GO ON!

Kim Lyles, Jennifer Komito, Gina and Eric Cox all volunteered immediately to be all hands on deck. Loretta Miller, a grandparent who is an actor and director herself, offered to assist with the production, before eventually stepping up as director. Neighbors have contributed costuming, the music teacher has handed over her stashes of costumes and props built over a lifetime, and those “all hands on deck” volunteers have supported Rose Westerfer every step of the way.

If this year has come and gone and you haven’t done anything to support the arts, come see this show! If this year has come and gone and you haven’t done one thing to support your local public school, come see this show! If you are tired of bad news in the world and want to see the spirit of goodness, come see this show!

Shawmont School’s production of Beauty & the Beast Jr. is perfect for people of all ages. Show time is 7 pm on Tuesday June 5th and Wednesday June 6th. There are 50 kids involved in the show, from cast to crew, making a spot for every child who auditioned. For all of them, and for all of the volunteers who got them here, this show has provided memories that will last a lifetime.

This show will be one for the ages. The show that almost wasn’t. The show that seemed impossible. The show that needed to go on.

Without your support this year, who knows what next year will bring.

Tickets are only $5. To purchase tickets: http://bit.ly/ShawmontSchoolPlay