It’s that time of year again; snow is falling, Valentine’s day is right around the corner, and the Kings High School theater department is preparing for another stellar musical production. This year’s choice: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Auditions are already finished with rehearsals soon to follow, and Director Scott Hayward is making sure everything is in place.

View the cast list

“As of now my work involves coordinating the rehearsals for the cast members, helping them start to understand their characters. . . and working with our costumer to put the final details in place for the costume design,” Hayward said.

Junior Morgan Reece, who will play Belle, says that the cast faces a lot of challenges at this stage of production.

“This is the hardest part to get through because we have to learn everything and that takes a lot of stamina and hard work,” Reece said.

Fellow junior cast member Bryson Wires, playing the Beast, has been heeding Reece’s words as he realizes the determination it will take to pull off a great production.

“When doing a show you’ll run into challenges: memorizing lines, finding out who your character really is, being able to portray that character, and really just giving the audience a memorable show,” Wires said.

Junior cast member Grant Abbott, who will play Lumiere, faces similar challenges as he develops his character, which he is finding somewhat difficult.

“Playing a French candelabra is hard. We have spent a lot of time figuring out how things like a pot and a candlestick would move,” Abbott said.

Meanwhile, Wires faces different obstacles as he prepares for his first leading role.

“This will be the first time I’ve ever really had singing solos in any show that I’ve done, which could potentially be what I’m most worried about,” said Wires.

While Wires gears up for an iconic role, Reece takes time to reflect. Growing up with such a beloved story, Reece says she feels thankful to get to play a character so close to her heart.

“Belle has always been my favorite Disney princess and I’ve watched the movie since I was a little girl. It’s always been a dream of mine to play her one day, so I’m really thankful and I feel incredibly blessed that my dream came true and I’m getting to play my dream role,” said Reece.

But will this be the classic Disney tale we are all used to? Abbott says that there are some small changes, but they will only enhance the show’s overall appeal.

“This show is similar to the Disney film, but a lot more detailed. You learn a lot more about the characters and their motives, and a fair amount of music was added to help explore the show’s themes,” Abbott said.

Whether it is the classic story or a tale with a twist, Reece knows that in the end her determination and commitment will be rewarded, and she’ll have an entire cast to share it with.

“I think this stage [of production] is the funnest part because this is when our cast starts to get to know each other and it’s when we start becoming a family and we all know our hard work is going to pay off so much in the end.”

Performances of Beauty and the Beast are at 7 p.m. April 23, 24 & 25 as well as a 2 p.m. show on April 25. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $8 for Staff, Students, and Senior Citizens