LW-Central Presents 'Beauty and the Beast'

Lincoln-Way Central High School is proud to announce the cast of the 2011 Spring Musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” The musical will be presented on April 14, 15, and 16 at the Lincoln-Way Central Fine Arts Center, New Lenox. Tickets are available after March 1.

In leading roles are New Lenox juniors Alyssa Graffy (Belle), Kirstie Robinette (Wardrobe), Aaron Liebert (Maurice), and Heather Janel, Katie Arwood, (Silly Girls). New Lenox seniors include Kent Van Kley (Beast), Johnathan Vinkavich (Lefou), Rob Peterson (Cogsworth), Vicky Vargas (Mrs. Potts), Marguerite Mahoney (Babette), and Alyssa Earley (Silly Girl). Appearing in leading roles from Manhattan are seniors Jack Bauer (Lumiere) and Bobby Dunlap (D’Arque). Manhattan juniors Alex Boeckman will play Gaston, Casey Molloy will play Silly Girl, and New Lenox freshman Sam Moore will appear as Chip.

Also in the cast are New Lenox students Chrissy Alvarado, Steven Beemsterboer, Abbey Bobzin, Jessica Cepolski, Tim DeVitto, Alicia Funk, Jackie Genova, Blake George, Dana Gilbertsen, Gina Middleton, Sara Moore, Brandon Moy, Rachel Murphy, Hannah Nilsen, Kristin Paulsen, Kirsten Sicinski, Sam Srncik, Matt Sucich, Andrew Troyan, Nick Troyan, Jessica Tulley, Joey Vargas, and Steve Windle.

Manhattan students who are also in the cast are Marykate Bauer, Holly Bettridge, Rebecca Coutcher, Jenny Cruz, Tyler Erhardt, Steven Galle, Jennifer Haley, Kelsey Hannigan, Joshua Kahney, Racheal Lee, Stephanie Montoya, Tyler Rodgers, Ian Shandro, Joshua Stefans, and Chris Vavouleas.

Also in the cast are Mokena residents Paige Bassi and Shauna Kohler.

“Beauty and the Beast” is based on the animated Disney film of the same name. The show ran for 13 years on Broadway, making it the 8th longest-running Broadway show of all time. The stage version includes all of the characters and songs that made the movie an all-time classic. Songs include “Belle,” “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Human Again,” plus a number of songs that were written for the Broadway production.

Lincoln-Way Central Choral Music Director Michael Bultman will direct his 16th musical. Also returning on the musical staff are Justin Schultz and Frank Lopez as choreographers, Eric Wellman as orchestra preparation director, and Nate Jackson as technical director. Sets will be designed by Gil Oliva.

Tickets for “Beauty and the Beast” go on sale after March 1 and are $9 for reserved seating. Calling in advance for tickets is recommended, but tickets will be available at the door on show nights. Please call on or after March 1 at 815-462-2300.