‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ thrills audience
Final shows Aug. 7-8
DOVER-FOXCROFT — A large turnout of over 200 audience members came to the Center Theatre on July 30 for the opening night of the production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”, directed by 17 -year-old Mitchell Chasse. Audience members were awestruck by the amazing performances of local children, combined with stunning visual effects, beautiful costumes and the familiar and magical songs of the Disney classic. The performances continued through the weekend with another performance on Friday night and two shows on Saturday, each very well attended.
Contributed photo
BE THEIR GUEST — For two weekends Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is being performed at the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft, with the remaining shows on Friday at 7 p.m. and then Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. The production is being directed by 17-year-old Mitchell Chasse, who leads a young cast in bringing the story to life on the theatre stage.
“I’m so happy with how everything came together,” Chasse said. “The kids have worked so hard, and now it’s paying off and they’re having a ball!”
The show featured all local talent, with Asia Wohlfeil playing the role of “Belle” and Samuel Libby playing “The Beast”. “It’s the role of a lifetime.”Wohlfeil said. “Every girl dreams of being a princess, but to actually play one on stage is truly a dream come true for me.”
The cast of 27 also includes Matthew Spooner as “Gaston”, Claire McBride as “Lefou”, Benjamin Johnston as “Cogsworth”, Kellen Strout as “Lumiere”, Evie Henderson as “Mrs. Potts”, Elora Kares as “Chip”, Hal Porter as “Maurice”, Alyssa Pearl-Ross as “Madame De La Grande Bouche”, Rebeclyn Parker as “Babette”, Connor Plante as “Monseiur D’Arque”, Emily McLeish as the “Beggar Enchantress” and Johan Halvorsen as the “Prince”.
Rounding out the cast and playing multiple roles are Cora Bailey, Meghan Spooner, Ingrid Halvorsen, Hannah Vail, Madison Andrade, Jorgen Halvorsen, Diana Voter, Jasper Makowski, Alice Myers, Dahlia Sharrow, Corinne Keniston, Evalyn Fisk, and Lilly Makowski.
The young actors all express such sincere gratitude to Chasse, who has taken them under his wing to teach them all how magical and fun live theater can be. Sharing such thoughts, Voter said, “I’ve been in many plays and musicals, but this is one of my favorites because Mitchell is directing it. I have waited a long time to be in one of his productions. Luv ya, Mitchell!”
Chasse shares his appreciation and gratitude, stating on page two of the playbill, “Wow! It is finally here! After months of planning and rehearsals and hard work, we are ready to share this magical story with everyone! I am truly blessed to have this cast of wonderful kids in this show! They are so professional and have added so much to the show. They have worked incredibly hard and it has most definitely paid off. I am also so fortunate to have all kinds of help from the parents. I could not do this without them! A big thank you to all of our sponsors! It is so amazing that we have as many sponsors in this community who have contributed to this production. What a great town we live in! I am surprised every day of the kids in this cast for all the little things they add to their characters and to the show. It really makes the show shine! So now, without further adieu, I invite you to relax, pull up a chair, and enjoy this Mitchell Chasse production of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’”
There are three more performances of this production remaining with a show on Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. and then at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Chasse encourages people to get their tickets early just in case the shows sell out. Tickets are available at the Center Theatre box office (564-8943) or can be reserved at www.centertheatre.org.
Story submitted by Kevin Chasse