Everything about this production says bigger. First off, the auditions earlier in the summer drew a record 110 kids.
This gave co-directors Tonya Reynolds and Greg Willis, who also co-directed last year’s “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” a good start.
“This is a new endeavor. We couldn’t fit them all on stage, so we created a new group – The Disney Kids,” said Reynolds. “It’s an exciting problem to have and offers new opportunities.”
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She suggested that popularity of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” with the recent live-action version and animated classic created a lot of interest from the budding performers, ranging in age from 5-18.
They accommodated 70-75 parts in the show and the Disney Kids will perform before the production. These are mostly newcomers with no prior experience, which they will gain for future Civic Theatre productions.
Having seen numerous productions of the show, Willis wanted a different dynamic for this version. Aside from the larger cast, making the enchanted rose that’s central to the story an actor rather than an object was another original touch.
Being on the larger stage at the Legend Theater is another new opportunity, getting the cast used to its larger dimensions especially helps with its greater numbers.
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Another new addition is student assistant directors.
Trinity Sherry has had lead roles in “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Like a lot of actors, she wants to direct.
“I wanted to see the other side of things and enjoyed learning,” said Sherry, a student at Global Impact STEM Academy. “I’ve liked being part of everything.”
So much so she’s stepping back from acting to focus on this side of the stage. Sherry used her experience as a lead to help the cast and earned the respect of her peers.
Reynolds and Willis credit community support for helping make their vision happen and are looking to the future of Springfield Jr. Civic Theatre.
“With so many kids, we have to keep it going,” Willis said.
Potential ideas include possibly two musicals a year rather than one and a showcase for performers 13 and older.
WANT TO GO?
What: Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Where: John Legend Theater at The Dome, 700 S. Limestone St., Springfield
When: Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 23
Admission: $12 adult, $10 students/children
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