TIME IS TICKING: The ‘Rose’ cast of castle characters. Keyshawn Mitchell as Cogsworth, Payton Josey as Lumiere, Lydia Harrison as Mrs. Potts, Kenzlea Candelaria as Chip, Morgan Griffin as Babette, and Jenna Marie Melvin as Madame de la Grande Bouche.

CAIRO — The Cairo High School Stage Makers are proud to announce their upcoming spring musical production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”. The show is directed by Austin Harrell, under the musical direction of Joshua Moore, and choreographed by Hannah Harrison. The creative team would like to extend a special thank you to the CHS Construction Class and the CHS Art Department with whom they worked closely to design and prepare the amazing sets on stage. According to Harrell, this production is an overwhelming success due in great part to the diligence and hard work of the students involved; “from the set design, to construction, to artwork, costuming, and every part in between, the show is student driven. We are so proud to showcase the talents of all our students with this show,” he said.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). According to MTI, “Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.”

The 39 students in the cast and crew have been keeping busy with this production since January. Junior Kennedi Smart states, “you’d be surprised how much goes into a production; of course, all the cast members have been working hard to perfect our songs, dances, and scenes, but our crew is also putting in the work backstage to make sure we have the most amazing sets and costumes.” President of The Stage Makers, Ellis Hendrix speaks highly of not only the show itself, but also the whole program, “I’ve been involved with the arts for over ten years, and I cannot say enough how positively they have impacted my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without access to arts education, and I’m forever grateful for programs like this that not only teach us, but also push us to perform and produce high quality shows for our small town to attend.”

The directors are also proud to announce that this show has been chosen by The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts to be part of their “Rising Star Program.” Per NYCDA, this program is a “way of recognizing talented high school students and offering them the opportunity to continue their passion for the performing arts in a conservatory environment.” A representative from the school will be attending the shows and speaking with students about post-secondary performing arts education options. According to Harrell, this is the first time in CHS history that a performing arts college has attended a performance to spotlight local talent.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will be performed at the Cairo High School Auditorium on Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 22 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m. The Sunday Matinee is their “Senior Spotlight Show,” where the senior drama members will be recognized and honored. The Stage Makers are also proud to have built a “Sensory Station” room in the lobby of the CHS Auditorium so that audience members of all abilities can attend performances; this room contains a sound machine, various sensory items, a trampoline, and a swing. If an audience member becomes overstimulated at any point during the show, they are welcome to go calm down in the Sensory Station. The Stage Makers hope the community will come “be our guest” and support the arts in Grady County! Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door or in advance at this website: https://bit.ly/41AQkjE