CJHS prepares to wow audiences with 'Beauty and the Beast'

This story was edited to remove an incorrect phone number.

Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School invites members of the community to "be their guests" at their spring musical production of "Beauty and the Beast," which begins tonight at the school.

Following the storyline of the classic Broadway musical, more than 150 students will sing and dance as villagers, cups and silverware. This performance also marks the 20th anniversary of the junior high's spring musical productions, said choir director at Central Junior High School and director of the production Mike Dumey.

"It started first in Schultz seventh grade center where we did a version of 'The Little Mermaid,'" Dumey said. "We had to do it in the library, with just four or five microphones on stands, so it was a much simpler production."

A single red rose sits in the window onstage during Central Junior High School’s rehearsal of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Tuesday. (Laura Simon)

Now, Dumey said the students get an experience "as close to Broadway as possible," with carefully designed costumes and stage settings.

The cast of Central Junior High School's production of Beauty and the Beast rehearse Tuesday, March 19, 2013. (Laura Simon)

The biggest numbers in the musical are the opening number "Belle" and "Be Our Guest," an up-tempo song performed for the main character Belle by an assortment of animated dishes and household items. The entire musical only requires about 35 cast members, Dumey said, but to accommodate larger student interest, additional musical roles have been written into these numbers.

"We have about 52 feather duster costumes for 'Be Our Guest,'" Dumey said. "We'll also have some people with cupcake-like costumes, which isn't in the movie but gives us extra roles for students."

Although balancing the schedules of that many students and organizing rehearsals can be a challenge, Dumey said he has no doubt everyone will be prepared before opening night.

"They really are a great group," Dumey said. "This takes a lot of focus and a lot of work, but I know they want this to be the best production ever, just like I do."

Noah Jones, an eighth grade Central Junior High School student who plays the Beast character in the musical production, said no problems have occurred with the production, and he expects it will stay that way.

"I think everything's going really well so far," Jones said. "This has been my favorite production so far. There's more action."

Jones also has participated in the school's past productions of "Annie" and "The Wizard of Oz."

Dumey said all the students, especially those like Jones who are in leading roles, have dedicated about a dozen hours per week since January to prepare for their mid-March deadline. Although the school's annual spring musicals have been held in May in the past, Dumey said scheduling conflicts forced them to push the date up about seven weeks earlier than usual.

The Beast, portrayed by Noah Jones, and Belle, Caroline Rollins, take the stage during Central Junior High School’s rehearsal of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Tuesday. (Laura Simon)

"People have said I must be insane for trying to do the musical in March," Dumey said. "But it can be done. Everyone has worked really hard."

Caroline Rollins, an eighth grade Central Junior High School student cast as the main character, Belle, said memorizing lines and songs became easier with each practice.

"I really love singing and acting," Rollins said. "And I've always loved 'Beauty and the Beast.' It's been really fun."

The performances will be at 7 p.m. today through Saturday in the Central Junior High auditorium. Tickets are $8, $10 or $15 and can be purchased at the door.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

205 Caruthers Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO