A light version of a Disney classic

Riverview student Courtney Baker (left), playing Mad Hatter in the 2015 production of “Alice @ Won-derland,” is taking the stage as the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” April 30. Alongside Baker is Alivia Smith (March Hare in 2015), who is playing Gaston, and Noelle Ridolfi (Submitted/The Report).
Riverview student Courtney Baker (left), playing Mad Hatter in the 2015 production of “Alice @ Wonderland,” is taking the stage as the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” April 30. Alongside Baker is Alivia Smith (March Hare in 2015), who is playing Gaston, and Noelle Ridolfi (Submitted/The Report).

Riverview show takes the stage April 30

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

For one night only, Riverview School in Silver Lake plans to deliver a production that aims to entertain the young, and young at heart.

“Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” a shorter version of Disney’s classic production of Beauty and the Beast, features music, singing, dancing and suspense according to Director Julie Strasser.

Strasser also serves as the district’s computer/technology teacher, yearbook advisor, young authors advisor, webmaster and other roles.

“This will be a really great performance,” Strasser said. “It will be a perfect production for the young, and young at heart.”

The production scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30, is coordinated through the efforts of the Riverview Drama Club and has a cast of 40 middle school students.

Playing the role of lead character, Belle, an adventurous girl, is Karenna Schick, with Courtney Baker taking the role of the Beast.

Baker’s character, trapped under a spell, is actually a prince and to break it – both must learn to love one another.

The cast from last year’s production of “Alice @ Wonderland” was the driving force behind selection of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”

“Alice @ Wonderland” conveyed the traditional story in a 21st century context, Strasser said.

“Last year’s production was very well attended,” Strasser said. “I expect this year’s production to draw larger audience because it is a Disney production and we have almost double the cast and crew.”

Admission prices for the 90-minute production are $5 for adults, $3 for children and free for children 3 and younger.

All proceeds go back to the Riverview Drama Club, which has organized annual performances since 2008.

“We are a self-sustained extra-curricular program so all the money which is made goes back into next year’s production for the purchase of scripts and licensing, props and costumes,” Strasser said.

The full story appears in the April 22 edition of the Westosha Report


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