by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club invites the community to experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr., with performances at the GHS Auditorium on Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. The public is asked to enter through Entrance 10 at the rear of the high school. This cherished tale will be brought to life by a dynamic cast of local student performers, each infusing the stage with heart, imagination, and timeless charm.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. is presented by the Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International.
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. as follows: Narration will be guided by Paisley Casey, Ellie Sweeney, Aubrianna Mason, and Gunner Hewitt, setting the tone for a magical journey. In the lead roles, Robert Millemon transforms into the Prince/Beast, while Brooklyn Anderson steps into the role of Belle. Lauren Terpstra portrays both the Old Woman and the Enchantress, and Evelyn Riutta takes on the bold Gaston, with Karsyn Cudhea as his loyal sidekick Lefou.
The village ensemble, Les Filles De La Ville, features Elizabeth Bason, Ariyonna Savage, Audrianna Cleason, Rowan Burt, Allison Bresett, Leah Weems, and Genevieve Plowman. Belle’s father Maurice is played by Hendrix McSweeney, while the enchanted castle staff includes Easton Smith as Cogsworth, Isabelle French as Lumiere, Raeleigh McIntosh as Babette, Ruby Griffith as Mrs. Potts, and Charlize Brozzo as Chip. Isadora Wake brings flair to Madame de la Grande Bouche, and River Ervin adds mystery as Monsieur D’Arque.
Supporting roles include Cally Jenkins as the Shepherd Boy, Aspen Chase as the Aristocratic Lady, Aj Pray as the Book Seller, Daphne Bearden as the Lady with a Cane, Abby Brown as the Fish Monger, Harper Haines as the Milk Maid, Skarlett Kulp as the Hat Seller, Lacey Phillips as the Egg Seller, Jocelynne Hale as the Sausage Girl, Ariella Barr as the Candle Seller, and Isla Countryman as the Baker. The enchanted objects come to life with Aspen Chase, Lauren Terpstra, and Bree Bates as Spoons; Bria Merkley, Kinley Evans, and Rowan Burt as Forks; Skarlett Kulp and Savannah Skeels as Knives; McKenna Turner and Layla Young as Napkins; Cally Jenkins and Jazline Davis as Salt & Pepper; Isla Countryman and London Wood as Candle Sticks; and Skarlett Kulp and Alex Mendez Sands as Plates. The Wolves are portrayed by Bree Bates, Lacey Phillips, and Kinley Evans, while the Guards are Alex Mendez-Sands and London Wood.
Behind the scenes, that same spirit is matched by a powerhouse production team whose dedication and artistry have shaped every detail of the show. The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club’s rendition comes to life through the extraordinary efforts of the Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club’s production team: Director Brandon Griffin, Assistant Director Catie Yablonski, Costume Designer and “Thrift Store Rockstar” Michele Brenno, Music Directors Brandon Griffin and Ethan Bast, Choreographer Brandon Griffin, Set Designers Brandon Griffin, Art Knauf, Alexandria Smith, and the Smith Family, Lighting Designers Brandon Griffin and Laraya Klock, Stage Managers Catie Yablonski and Michele Brenno, and Sound Designer and Performing Arts Director Richard Patton.
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club production is supported by the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education, Gouverneur CSD Superintendent Jackie Kelly, Gouverneur High School Principal Nicole Donaldson, secretarial staff Amy Barr and Michelle Hassett, the Gouverneur High School Custodial Staff, Gouverneur Middle School Principal Michael Hammond, Gouverneur Middle School Assistant Principal Rachel Curry, secretarial staff Bonnie Bates and Chelsi Griffith, as well as Stacy Canell, Casey Canell, Connor Canell, Corryn Canell, Justin Terpstra, Jenneca Cook, Evan Shampine, the Gouverneur Tribune Press, and many others whose behind-the-scenes contributions help bring this production to life. Boundless appreciation goes to the Gouverneur community for its continued encouragement, and to the dedicated parents whose support fuels every student’s creativity, confidence, and commitment on stage.
From the first read-through to final dress rehearsals, the Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club has poured heart and discipline into every moment of preparation. Gouverneur CSD and St. James School students have worked tirelessly to refine their elocution, strengthen stage presence, and master choreography and musical timing—all while learning the power of collaboration and creative expression. Their commitment to excellence, both on and off stage, reflects a deep pride in their craft and a shared belief in the transformative magic of live theatre. Don’t miss this tale as old as time—Beauty and the Beast Jr. promises an unforgettable journey. Be at the GHS Auditorium on Nov. 14-15 to witness the enchantment unfold. For more information about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.