This year, Penn Manor High School (PMHS), 100 E. Cottage Ave., Millersville, will present "Beauty and the Beast" as its spring musical. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16, and a 2 p.m. matinee will also be held on Saturday. Penn Manor School District staff members will receive free admission for the opening night of the show on Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m.

While searching for a production to serve as the 2024 spring musical, director Lauren Ciemiewicz said she wanted to choose a production that the community is familiar with. Although the theater program at PMHS is partially funded by the school district, the department relies on proceeds from the spring musical to cover expenses such as licensing costs for next year's production. "Beauty and the Beast" was last performed at the school 15 years ago, and Ciemiewicz learned that the show's licensing will be unavailable after 2024. "It's really exciting that we can do it one more time before it goes into the vault," Ciemiewicz added.

Rehearsals began immediately after the school's winter break in January. Unlike many previous productions at PMHS, "Beauty and the Beast" places a heavy emphasis on costumes due to its fanciful cast of characters. Instead of casting separate actors for different scenes, Ciemiewicz has structured the show to have one ensemble of students play multiple parts. Although the format will allow singers and dancers to have additional stage time, it has also presented cast members with the challenge of navigating their many costume changes. PMHS students David Ferre, Kaleb Kabakjian and Madelyn Stern will play the lead roles of Cogsworth, Lumiere and Belle, respectively. The role of the Beast will be played by Cameron Thorne.

"It's a show that everyone knows, so it's generated a lot of excitement from the start," Ciemiewicz said. "I still needed to teach students the vocal parts, but everybody knows the music." In addition to directing the musical, Ciemiewicz serves as the choral director at PMHS.

PMHS will host a Meet the Characters Tea Party from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. During the event, guests will have an opportunity to take pictures with costumed cast members, participate in various games and activities and tour the set on stage. Attendees may also visit several stations to learn about what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for showtime. Registration is required and must be completed online prior to Friday, March 1.

To purchase tickets or to register for the Meet the Characters Tea Party, visit https://pennmanor.seatyourself.biz.