Children to perform a 'tale as old as time'

BAINBRIDGE - Having more hands on deck to be involved in Paxton Theatre's upcoming production has helped the Jeff Horick and his wife, Jenna, take on Disney's "Beauty and the Beast Jr."

The show follows a summer theatre camp in June for students entering first through 12th grades. There, students learn about things like stage make-up and combat, acting techniques, costumes, as well as play acting games and explore jobs of crew members. Children that participate in the camp are granted a role in the stage production that follows.

Last year was the first for the children's theatre camp and show, this summer Horick said the number of students at the camp, 52, more than doubled that of last year.

That tally, Horick said, does not include children who are helping out behind the scenes.

Even with that many children to direct and coordinate, they are making good progress toward opening night.

"I can't believe how much work we've put into it and how much we've done, and how much (the children) have picked up," Horick said.

Some of the progress was aided by a little organization and planning. Horick broke up rehearsals into days with enchanted castle roles and townspeople roles, though he said the children have done well with behaving and being patient while they are not on stage.

"It's more of a challenge but this group of kids has been wonderful and it's amazing what a tablet can do to keep them occupied," Horick said.

With songs from the Broadway production, as well as the classic Disney movie, Horick said the music in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast Jr." is more complex than last year's show. Horick said children were strategically placed in their roles to make sure the music would go off without a hitch.

"We're talking about Academy and Grammy award-winning music, so it's more difficult," Horick said.  "They've had to learn how to pick songs apart and learn the different parts of the song."

Helping to teach the music in the show is David White, musical director for Hillsboro High School. He stepped in to help teach the harmonies and interjections that make up the show.

Horick gave an example in the opening number, where he said there are eight people finishing phrases that need to be done by eight different characters exactly on time, or it can affect the timing of the song. But, he said, the children worked hard and caught on quickly.

If you go...

What: Paxton Theatre presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast Jr."

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday 

Where: Paxton Theatre, 133 E. Main St. Bainbridge

Tickets: $15 at the door, $12 online