SHILOH — Fans of musical theater will have a treat this week, when the North Dorchester High School Class of 2019 presents, “Beauty and the Beast”. Shows will begin tomorrow and continue through Sunday.

Finishing touches were being made in rehearsals last week, when ND teacher and play Technical Director Adam Wilson said, “We chose this play because we wanted to make it family oriented.” Mr. Wilson is joined in organizing the show by Theatrical Director Lisa Rank and Musical Director Sabra Steward.

Though the play, as always, is a senior-class project, the cast has plenty of actors who are not 12th graders. There are “a lot of seniors, as usual, but we had a huge turnout of freshmen,” Mr. Wilson said.

As the technical director, Mr. Wilson has some unique challenges with this production - anyone who has seen the play or the movie knows characters include a teacup, a wardrobe and other household items. “We have to make people look like things,” he said.

Shae Ann Reid plays “Chip,” the young teacup. It’s not easy, she said, to project a character’s feelings without being able to use one’s own body language.

“I have to portray a child,” she said, as she sat on the edge of the stage, talking to a visitor. “It’s one of my most challenging roles.”

Jasmine Lofland must have a tough streak - she has already joined the Marine Corps, and will report after graduation. But she’s not afraid to admit she’ll be emotional when the play closes, and the end of her high school days approaches.

“I’m going to cry,” said Jasmine who will be Cogsworth, the clock.
“It’s the beginning of the final months of our senior year,” said Kirsten Blades, who plays Wardrobe.

“Beauty and the Beast” will open tomorrow, at 7 p.m. and will be performed at the same time Friday. On Saturday, performances will take place at noon and 7 p.m., and then on Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $8.