DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Good evening, everyone! 

Welcome to Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr., a story of a young woman in a provincial town and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. I am so excited that you are here and cannot wait for you to enter into this tale as old as time where you might just be inspired to find an adventure of your own!

This year I had the most difficult time choosing a musical for us to put on because these students are so incredibly talented! I wanted to pick something that would challenge them, allow them to soar, and bring so much joy to us all. I wrestled with Beauty and the Beast for a long time and when the decision was finally made, I knew it was the right one and that these kids would blow it out of the water. And boy, was I right! This show is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I was amazed when they completed their auditions in December and I am even more in awe today!

The eighth graders have worked tirelessly to understand these characters, learn this very difficult choreography, and bring this story to life. I have loved every minute of working with them and I could not be more proud of what they have to show you tonight! 

This show would never have been possible without the support and work of our community and for each of you I am eternally grateful! Thank you to each of the parents who made sure their students were where they needed to be for each rehearsal and provided food and the many costume pieces needed for the multiple costume changes!

Thank you to all the teachers that not only moved their schedules around so that we could rehearse, but stepped in to help with set, costume, props and every other little detail. This school is full of servant-hearted people and I am beyond grateful for their help!

My immense gratitude goes out to Tiffany Rhoades and Shannon Reel who spent many late nights and weekends at school to create our absolutely incredible set! Without their amazing vision and work, this show would have a lot less sparkle!

We had many hands working on our costumes creating pieces from scratch, tracking down items we could borrow, and scouring thrift stores to find the perfect items. My eternal thanksgiving will forever be with Debbi Schraeder, Rachel Mahlik, Jenn Harris, Heidi Kuster, Amy Schleicher, and Michele Rhoades  - our students look as stellar as they do because of this incredible team!

To Darin Hansen, Darin Astor, and their team of miracle workers, my greatest appreciation for your creative genius and making my dreams a reality! The set, sound, and lighting are quite a feat, and I would trust no other people than you. 

And last, but not least, thank you to Father Bill and Jane Sullivan for their vision and support through all of this, without whom this event would not have been possible. 

We are so blessed by each of you and grateful you are here tonight to support all the students and their hard work. We hope you enjoy the show! 

Through Mary,

Ms. Rachel Lackups

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for an "Easter egg" from our previous show, Disney's Aladdin Jr.