By: Kira BentonI

On March 5th, Ridgeview High School’s drama department will begin the first showing of their 2015 musical, Beauty and the Beast. Featuring Elaina Anderson (11) in the role of Belle and Kyle Cohen (12) in the role of the Beast, the musical is one of the most elaborate works that the Ridgeview drama department has undertaken. Drama teachers Ms. Fortune, Ms. McDade and Ms. Paolini have made every effort to insure that the musical is of the utmost quality, renting Broadway quality costumes and props and spending countless hours in rehearsals with the students. They’ve also reached out to the community, sending Elaina Anderson to local elementary schools to sing and read to students in kindergarten through third grade; students who complete their Reading Passport, reading six or more books between the event and the show, will be offered free admission and discounted admission for parents and siblings. Through this “Story Time with Belle” program, more than 1,000 students have been reached in the community.

            Students have shown great dedication throughout the duration of rehearsals for the musical, practicing four or more days a week for three or more hours a day despite having other extracurricular activities such as band and chorus while also focusing on their studies. Not only has the cast been dedicated to ensuring the success of this musical, but the crew, including props, makeup and costume, has attended every rehearsal to build scenery, practice makeup for characters such as the Beast and Mrs. Potts, and construct costumes. After all of this effort and perseverance, students are excited to finally perform the musical and hope that the community shows up in full force. The show will be performed March 5-8 in the Ridgeview High School Cafetorium. Doors open at 6:30 on March 5-7 and 2:30 on March 8, and the cost is $7 for adults, $5 for students/children and $3 for children 4 and under.