Beech Tree News Network

The people of Butler County packed the auditorium Tuesday night, April 18th, to support Morgantown Elementary in their production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. at Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (also known as SKy PAC) in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Mr. Ryan Himes, music teacher for MES, applied for the grant from SKy PAC that made the production possible.  The grant consisted of about $2000 which covered one rehearsal at SKy PAC and the use of their center and staff to have the show for the night.

Auditions were open to all students in grades 2nd-5th. About 45 students auditioned with 39 being cast into various roles. Practices began in December with Mr. Ryan Himes and Ms. Nikki Hayes working diligently with all the children to prepare for their big night in the spotlight.  Several individuals from MES also helped with props, makeup, and costumes, and also provided snacks to the children during their practices in the months leading up to the play.  Everyone’s time and dedication were greatly appreciated.

All the children worked very hard in their roles for the play, creating an excellent performance that was greatly enjoyed by all those who attended. The following is a list of students and their roles in the production:
CAST
Narrators----------------------------Emma Winchel, Taylor Smith, Lydia Brown, Clarissa Moore
Prince--------------------------------Landis Merritt
Beast---------------------------------Reece Filback
Old Woman/Enchantress---------Sally Butler
Belle---------------------------------Tera Hampton
Gaston-------------------------------Maddox Moore
Lefou--------------------------------Brayden Barks
Silly Girls---------------------------Evan Coley, Chloe Cardwell, Izabelle Hatcher
Maurice-----------------------------Ethan Bivens
Cogsworth--------------------------Lily Glass
Lumiere-----------------------------Riah Pendley
Babette------------------------------Kaitlyn Franzel
Mrs. Potts---------------------------Delaney Newcomb
Chip----------------------------------Eli Ellis
Madame de la Grande Bouche----Maggie Drake
Monsieur D’Arque-----------------Lydia Wilcox

SERVANTS & VILLAGERS CAST
Morgan McKinney, Cardyn Dockery, Reece Ingram, Ann Marie Skaggs, Raeleigh Skaggs, Ellie McIntosh, Isabela Easley, Landis Merritt, Maggie Childers, Karlee Cameron, Clara Boone, Lydia Brown, Lola Clark, Maelynn Bilicki, Olivia Johnson, Oliva Broesamle, Jenna Brooks, Riley Turci, Sally Butler, Emma Winchel, Taylor Smith, Lydia Brown, Clarissa Moore, & Mae Givens

PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer/Co-Director-------------------------------------------------------------Mr. Ryan Himes
Co-Director-------------------------------------------------------------------------Mrs. Nickie Hayes
Music Director---------------------------------------------------------------------Mr. Ryan Himes
Choreographer---------------------------------------------------------------------Mrs. Nickie Hayes
Operations Director---------------------------------------------------------------Mrs. Jackie Goldammer
Production Manager--------------------------------------------------------------Mr. Bob Mengal
Lights & Sound-------------------------------------------------------------------Sky PAC Staff
Make-Up & Costumes Coordinator--------------------------------------------Mrs. Whitney Vincent
Props/Art Work-------------------------------------------------------------------Mrs. Melissa Rose