WEST MILFORD Rehearsals have intensified and the excitement is building. Next week, all of the practice and anticipation comes to fruition as the West Milford High School Drama Club presents the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast."
"Beauty and the Beast" is the story of a young prince who is punished for not allowing an old beggar woman shelter inside of his castle. He is transformed into a hideous beast, his servants turned into furniture and other household items. By his 21st birthday, he must love and be loved in return or he will remain a beast forever.
Years later, a young, smart, beautiful girl named Belle, living in a nearby French village, finds her way to the beast's castle in search of her father, Maurice, who had lost his way. The beast had imprisoned Maurice and Belle offers to take his place. Maurice goes back to the village and rallies the villagers to help free Belle. In the meantime, though, Belle and the Beast get to know each other. He sets Belle free to go help her father and realizes he has fallen in love with her. It's just a matter of Belle loving him back to break the spell.
West Milford's version of this "tale as old as time" features Missy Lang as Belle and Tim Canali as the Beast. The other major cast members include Sophia Metcalf as Mrs. Potts, Jack Romano as Lumiere, Christina Serven as Babette the feather duster, Jayce Winan as Gaston, Daria Umansky as Cogsworth, Michael Galioto as LeFou Erin Vermeal as the Madame De la Grande Bouche Wardrobe and Paradise Knoll sixth graders Tyler Thenell as Chip. Shows are on Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m., Friday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 3, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged on Saturday afternoon to wear their favorite "Beauty and the Beast" costume and meet the characters.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and are available at the high school box office on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You may also reserve tickets by calling 973-697-1700 ext. 7012.