Harvest Christian Academy presents 'Beauty and the Beast'

Harvest Christian Academy presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" Thursday through Saturday in the Worship Center of Harvest Bible Chapel, 1000 N. Randall Road, Elgin.

The story of "Beauty and the Beast" has long been told since the early 1700s. Though told through the eyes of different authors, the story remained the same. A hideous beast is hidden away in a magical castle, a young beauty enters his life and he falls in love with her, but must convince the beauty that he is good on the inside.

"Bringing this Disney's classic to life on our stage has been a dream of mine," says Johanna Johnson, theater director at Harvest Christian Academy. "Ask any of the students and they will tell you what a Disney fanatic I am. But this story of 'Beauty and the Beast' was quite the challenge. To make something as grand as the Disney film, well … it was no easy task. The students have stepped up to the challenge and have put together something quite beautiful."

Senior Olivia Thiel steps into the role as Belle.

"It's been a blast and a perfect way to end my high school drama career. This has been the most fun cast we have had to date," said Thiel, who is one of 67 cast members ranging from fourth grade to high school seniors.

"Beauty and the Beast" will feature classic songs from the movie such as "Be our Guest" as well as Broadway adaptations such as "Me" and "Home."

"We are thrilled to be bringing Broadway to Elgin and hope the audience will feel welcomed as guests in our home," Johnson said.

Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $10 and $15 at the door or at harvestchristianacademy.org/theater. Parking is available outside the Worship Center at Harvest Bible Chapel.