A “tale as old as time” came to Fair Haven’s Knollwood School’s stage when 40 young middle school students performed a production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. a few weeks ago.

The 60-minute musical, designed for younger performers and based on the 1994 Broadway play and Disney’s 1991 animated feature film, came to life at Knollwood on March 2 to a capacity crowd.

“I am pleased and proud of our performers this year!” said Knollwood School Principal Amy Romano. “I saw the performance four times and I could have watched it many more times!”

Beauty and the Beast Jr. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor, who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return before time runs out. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find friendship and love that neither thought was possible.

The Knollwood production was directed by Gabrielle Illiano and Alison Dooley. Karen Hauge was musical director and Morgan Bufano was choreographer. Set designer was Jessica Data and Katie Smith directed sound and lighting. Twenty-five students worked on set design, sounds and lighting, and backstage.

— Edited press release from Fair Haven School District