Harding Academy to perform Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”

Dec. 2, 2019 | Harding Academy |

The Harding Academy Wildcat Theatre Company will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the Academy auditorium. The theatre group perform three to four shows a year under director Melani Morgan Blansett. Productions in 2018 were sold out.

A Disney classic, the show tells the story of an arrogant prince who has been cursed to live as a hideous beast unless he can learn the true meaning of love. Selfish and repulsed by his own appearance, the beast (junior J.D. Glenn) lives in solitude with his enchanted servants until Belle (senior Lucy Mackey) and her father stumble upon his castle.

“This is my first experience as an actor and it has been amazing,” said Glenn. “Creating friendships with so many people I didn't have the opportunity to know before has been especially rewarding. We've put so much work into this show and are looking forward to seeing it all come together.”

Preparations for the show began in August. With a cast of over 60 people, the Academy’s theatre program involves students from third through 12th grade.

“This show has been a dream come true and a life changing experience,” said Jackson Edwards, Lumiere. “The entire cast has been so committed to making this an incredible show on and off stage.”

Tickets can be purchased for $12 at hardingtickets.com or at the door. For more information, contact the box office at 501-279-4255. For other Harding events and free and low cost services available to the public, visit harding.edu/community .

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, New York, NY. www.mtishows.com