Lake Park alumni lead theater camp cast in production of 'Beauty and the Beast Jr.' July 21
Lake Park High School Theatre Camp is putting on "Beauty and the Beast Jr."
The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in the Lake Park East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 S. Medinah Road, Roselle.
The 60-minute musical is based on the 1994 Broadway production and Disney's 1991 animated feature film.
The summer musical cast and crew includes 50 students led by musical director Sara Keith, vocal director Emily Martyka, choreographer Mikayla Testolin, and technical director Ethan Goldspiel.
Director Keith shared, "It's great to see the summer musical continue to grow from its start six years ago with 'Seussical,' followed by 'Willy Wonka,' 'Shrek,' and now, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, 'Beauty and the Beast'."
"There are some students who have been in every camp joining students from the surrounding middle schools and elementary schools," Keith said. "This year, our choreographer (Mikayla Testolin, class of 2022) and vocal director (Emily Martyka, class of 2020) are Lake Park Lancers for Life and summer musical alumni."
"Beauty and the Beast Jr." tells the story of Belle (junior Mia Manella), an adventurous young girl, and the Beast (Roselle Middle School eighth-grader Carmine Molfese) her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return - before time runs out.
With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, including a loving teapot (sophomore Frankie Molfese), a charming candelabra (sophomore Julian Mostowski), and a nervous mantel clock (junior Chris Raymond), "Belle and the Beast" find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible.
"Beauty & the Beast Jr." features classic songs from the Academy Award-winning film score such as "Be Our Guest" and "Belle," as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony-nominated Broadway musical.
Tickets are available at the door. Admission is $5 a person.
The Lake Park High School theater department offers a two-week summer camp for incoming fifth- through 12th-grade students. The camp features acting, singing, dance, props, and a performance. For more on the program, visit drama.lphs.org.
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If you go
What: Lake Park theater camp production of "Beauty and the Beast Jr."
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21
Where: Lake Park East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 S. Medinah Road, Roselle
Cost: $5 at the door