Thespians perform 'Beauty' scenes for 80 area children

Little children had the opportunity to sing and dance with such beloved Disney characters as Belle, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, and Cogsworth on Wednesday, March 2 — all without having to travel to the Magic Kingdom.

The cast of Walled Lake Central’s “Beauty and the Beast” recently came to the Commerce Township Library to perform select scenes and songs from their upcoming musical for about 80 children who came dressed in their finery.

The performance was followed by a princess ball filled with music, dancing, and refreshments.

According to the event coordinators, Laura Kitzman and Sara Mueller, the event took months to plan and even had to be postponed following the blizzard in early February. However, they said organizing events like this is their favorite part of the job.

“This is great for the library,” said Kitzman, whose son, Dan Kitzman, plays The Beast in the high school production. “Parents love it, and it’s a great experience for the kids.”

In fact, her son’s involvement in Central’s spring musicals first inspired Kitzman to get the students involved last year. Kitzman wanted to organize an event celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss, and Central students just happened to be performing “Seussical” as a spring musical.

This year Kitzman thought it would be a fun idea to do a Disney story night at the library.

Central’s musical director and teacher Mary Rashid agreed to the plan.

“This is the kind thing we are supposed to do. These kids are getting educated by taxes so they should give back as much as they can,” Rashid said.

And the students enjoyed giving back to the community.

“It’s so much fun to see the little kids all dressed up,” said Lyndsay Burke, who plays Belle.

Added Kim Schornhorst, dressed as feather duster Babette, “Seeing the kids’ reaction first-hand was the best part.”

The night was a success, as kids sat enthralled watching the cast perform, and then had the chance to talk to and dance with their favorite characters in person.

“I think the kids had a blast. Seeing all the characters and the kids dressed up was great,” Mueller said. “We didn’t know the characters were going to stay and dance with them.”

Central’s performance of “Beauty and the Beast” will run March 24 to March 27. Tickets can be purchased by calling 248-956-4980 or by ordering online at boxoffice.wlcsd.org.