Beauty and the Beast, Jr.: A Magical Middle School Musical

1/29/2024

by Editorial Staff

This year’s Middle School musical, Beauty and the Beast, Jr., was a memorable and sensational production for all involved. The impressive theatrical performance was immensely comedic, beautifully designed, and exceptionally enacted by our talented Middle School students. It showcased the performing arts program through a lively event and as an impressive educational experience that highlighted our students using and evolving their talents to the fullest.

Directed by Chorus Teacher Lisa Benton, music directed by Lower School Music Teacher Grace Palmer, and choreographed by the School of Dance’s Leila Jones, the Middle School musical team worked diligently to shine a light on our individual students’ work and our community in creating a supportive experience filled with joy, laughter, drama, and song for all.

The real show stealers, however, were the student cast and crew. Students like Annie Lane brought their characters to life with incredible talent and dedication, all while balancing a busy Ensworth schedule. In Beauty and the Beast, Annie played Mrs. Potts, who serves as the head of the Beast’s kitchen. The wicked enchantress transforms her into a teapot as a result of the curse placed on the castle. Annie mentioned that the short time they had to prepare for the show was challenging. “We had to have all of our lines in about two weeks and had to pick up choreography very fast,” she explains. “Another hard part about this show was trying to accommodate the choreography with your costumes because most people are enchanted objects.”

Annie appreciated the help and consideration from the adults involved in the production. “Mrs. Leila went over the choreography whenever anyone needed, and I was never scared to ask her a question,” she recounts. “Mrs. Palmer was also very helpful by always being super kind and making jokes. Lastly, Mrs. Benton was a huge help by providing food and giving us breaks whenever needed. Although we did have long rehearsals, everyone had breaks throughout those rehearsals.”

Mrs. Benton was likewise impressed by the students’ hard work, observing, “As Director of the show, I enjoy seeing the progression of the show from beginning to finale. This was a challenging musical, and the students worked so hard together to accomplish the successful production. I was so proud of the students and the talents they shared as they worked through choreography or took notes on feedback to make the production better.”

The lighter moments also stuck with Annie. “Some of my most memorable moments were learning the dances I wasn’t in and performing them backstage with all of my friends as if we were dancing with them,” she recalls. Annie’s passion for the arts is evident, and she is excited to continue pursuing her love for performing. “I will 100% continue theater at the High School!” she shares. “I love musical theatre and feel like the stage is my happy place, so any opportunity I have to sing and dance on stage, I will take it,” she said.

Productions like the Middle School musicals provide excellent avenues for expression, craft, passion, and skill development in many areas. The true value of such an experience lies not just in the recognition and accolades our students receive on stage but in the talents that blossom as a result of their dedicated efforts. These moments create lasting memories, foundational skills, and meaningful connections and relationships formed within the Ensworth community.

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