‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ opens March 3 in Richland

It’s one of the world’s most loved fairy tales.

And next week, students at Christ the King School, 1122 Long Ave. in Richland, will bring it to life.The school’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. runs March 3-5.

Showtime is at 6:30 p.m.

The show is based on the smash Disney movie and Broadway musical, with a run time of about 1 1/2 hours.

“It has all the characters, all the action,” said director Janice McIntyre, the school’s drama and art teacher.

Plus plenty of beloved songs.

And a sprawling cast and crew.

All the school’s seventh- and eighth-graders — about 100 in all — are involved, either taking on acting roles or helping behind the scenes.

“Students learn all the aspects of running and working a musical production, then they run the show in its entirety while the musical director and I watch from the audience,” McIntyre told the Herald.

The show tells the tale of Belle, a smart and adventurous young woman who encounters a beast.

The production stars Cecilia Roddy as Belle, Griffin Linn as Beast, Hank Jackson as Gaston, Stephen Gauntt as the Prince, Luke Douglas as LeFou, Jacob Levy as Maurice, Logan Liebert as Lumiere, Shane Kieffer as Cogsworth, Chloe Ament-Duby as Madam de la Grande Bouche, Kodi Younkin as Mrs. Potts and Fernanda Mendoza as Babette.

McIntyre said the students have worked hard, and seeing them shine is something special.

“It’s amazing to watch them transform,” she said.

Sheila Gephart is the show’s musical director. Costumers are Val Watson, Maria Shoup, Shannon Minette, Peggy Scott, Amy Smith and Tina Miller.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. They’re available at the door.

The lobby opens at 5:15 p.m., and the house opens at 6 p.m.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 10:04 PM with the headline "‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ opens March 3 in Richland."