Young cast bring Beauty and the Beast to Whangarei

Belle (Rebecca Hamer), Maurice (Chloe Overeem) and the Beast (Rhys Parker).

More than 40 Northland children are in rehearsal for a pre-Christmas production of a classic show, Beauty and the Beast.

As well as the enthusiastic cast from the Rising Starz performance school getting stuck in, tutors, parents and local sponsors are helping get the Disney-approved, junior version of the story ready for the stage.

"I am very excited and proud to introduce to you the Rising Starz production of Beauty and the Beast," director, Kirsten Parker van Eck, said.

Kids rehearsing at Riverbank Centre for Rising Starz production. Photo Tania Whyte

"With the support of the local community, parents and volunteers, the old and new cast of Rising Starz showcase their singing, dancing and acting skills.

"They will tell the tale of Belle, who wants more from life and, together with Mrs Potts, Chip, Lumiere and Cogsworth, teaches the Beast how to love again.

"Or, do Gaston and Monsieur D'Argue manage to pull off their evil plan?"

Rising Starz is always on the look out for talented children and their families to be part of current and future shows, Ms Parker van Eck said.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr will be performed four times at The Riverbank Centre from December 8-10.

For more information and tickets visit https:/
/risingstarznz.wixsite.com/mysite, FaceBook page Rising Starz Whangarei, or email risingstarznz@gmail.com.