'Beauty and the Beast'

Northern Lehigh Little Theatre will present "Beauty and the Beast" at 7 o'clock this evening through Saturday, as well as matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

There is a $10 general admission fee, while the cost is $8 for students and senior citizens.

Due to construction at the high school auditorium, this year's performances will be held in the Northern Lehigh Middle School Auditorium.

The production is the musical telling of Disney's fairy tale about a young prince who, along with the rest of his castle, is put under a spell, according to Colette Boudreaux, director, Northern Lehigh Little Theatre.

In order to break the spell, he must love and be loved in return before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.

"We chose this production because it is one that the students have been excited to do for a while, and since I knew that when I signed on I was going to implement a lot of changes, I wanted the students to have a production that would keep them motivated throughout this transitional period," Boudreaux said.

"All of our cast and crew have been nothing short of amazing, as they have worked tirelessly to create a stunning show from start to finish. Over the course of several months, they have become a family through countless rehearsals, and I have no doubt that the love for their craft will show in every performance. I could not have asked for a finer group to work with.

"I have no doubt our audiences will enjoy the beautiful sets, funny and relatable characters, classic tunes and exciting dance numbers. But there is something special about our production, and that is the joy and passion that these students have poured into every moment on that stage.

"Because every minute that you watch took hours upon hours to create, and was crafted from the heart," Boudreaux said.

"The students at Northern Lehigh have so much heart, I love it. And that is what I really want our audience members to walk away remembering."

Cast members include senior Sara Hunsicker as Belle; sophomore Jack Ligenza as the Beast; junior Kyle Krempasky as Gaston; senior Jacob Kistler as Maurice; senior Pierce McGowan as Lumiere; junior Bridget Lynch as Cogsworth; junior Michael McKinney as Lefou; senior Monica Mankos as Mrs. Potts; senior Maddie Ligenza as Babette; junior Paige Hemingway as Madame de la Grande Bouche; sophomore Mason McGowan as Monsieur D'Arque; and junior Annelise Lutz as Chip, along with what Boudreaux referred to as "an amazing ensemble."