Jacob Sepehriazar ‘27, who is playing the “Tavern Master” in the musical says, “My favorite thing about the show is the story itself because it has a great message. People should come see it so that we can keep doing amazing musicals like this one.” Musical theater can give you an amazing community that could help you to build many talents, beyond singing and dancing. Many students have built a talent for public speaking as well as gained confidence. Theater can also allow you to meet some incredible friends and have a group to support you. Even if theater is new to you, joining is a great way to make friendships and experience new things. Just coming to see the musical is a good way to witness powerful stories and show support! And the Wilmington Friends cast of Beauty and the Beast would love to see you in their audience.

These performances are some you will not want to miss! Though the cast are only a short way into the practicing process, everyone is developing their skills. Our lead, Belle, is played by the amazing Piper Roskovensky ‘25! She sings as a soprano and her performance will leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Mia Davenport ‘25, a senior in the show, says, “I love how excited everyone is for the musical and the wide variety of people in the show!” Clearly, the cast is pre- pared and very excited. All the more reason to come see the show!

I am sure many of us have seen Beauty and the Beast at least once in our lives, and is it not one of the most brilliant love stories of all time? Beau- ty and the Beast tells a story about a beautiful girl who finds love for a Beast. The main message is “not judging a book by its cover”, or, not judging someone by the way that they look, an important lesson. Piper Roskovensky ‘25, says, “Beauty and the Beast has been one of my favorite musicals. I loved watching the movie, especially when the live-action version came out. I remember I got so excited when my mom took me to see it in theaters.” Roskovensky says, “It was such a big part of my childhood and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity!” Seeing Beauty and the Beast is an amazing way to look back on your childhood, but also see this show for the true beauty it is.

There are many reasons why coming to see Beauty and the Beast here at Friends is an excel- lent idea! The Wilmington Friends production of Beauty and the Beast is premiering on November 15th at 10 a.m. for the in-school performance. Then the cast will perform the show once again Saturday the 16th at 7:30 and Sunday the 17th at 2:00. Your support would be greatly appreciated and funds from the show help support the school and theater program. In addition, joining either of the plays this winter and spring, or the musi- cal next year, are amazing opportunities to make friends, build skills, and earn arts/music credits for school! Don’t be afraid to try something new. According to Roskovensky, “Theater is important because it brings people together. It’s fun to be part of a cast that becomes so close since we spend many late nights rehearsing and creating something that is important to all of us.” Piper says, “You get to meet new people from all grades and grow strong connec- tions with the people that you already know.” After the musical concludes, there will be another article put out about how it all went, so stay tuned! Come see Wilmington Friend’s production of Beauty and the Beast