The middle-school theater department is preparing for you to be their guest Feb.20, when students in seven and eighth grade will be performing, “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”  The production will be held in the auditorium, and there will bes performance at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Eighth-grader, Devon T., will be playing the part of Belle, one of the lead roles.

“I was waiting for auditions ever since the beginning of the year,” Devon said. “I was so shocked when people came up to me the day we got our parts and told me I was Belle.”

Under the direction of Maureen Fallon, Devon has been busy preparing for the show.

“During rehearsal time we sing our solos separately with Mrs. Fallon’s help at the keyboard, and a few high-schoolers teach us dances to the songs,” Devon said.

Outside of rehearsals, Devon has been engaging in additional preparation for her role.

“I’ve been studying my lines by myself,” she said. “I have also been practicing with my friends when I have free time.”

Fallon expressed her reasoning behind why she chose this particular production.

“The show was chosen because I felt we had the actors to be successful in all the roles.”

Devon said she is grateful to be part of such a great program.

“My favorite part is probably being able to be exposed to such great talent the theater program West Shore has, ” Devon said. “I learn so much simply showing up to rehearsals and doing things such as junior districts and states.  I am really grateful, and overall I just really love being on stage.”

Tickets for the show can be purchased at showtix4u.com.

By Rachel Stazzone