Newtown High School students practiced lines, dances, and, for some, flips and tumbles, at a Friday, February 12, rehearsal for the school's upcoming musical production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a selfish and unkind young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end. But time is running out. The Beast must learn his lesson soon or he and his household will be doomed forever, according to a description for the show.gofundme.com/nhsbeauty, to offset the production costs.nhsc.booktix.com. Tickets will be sold the day of the shows if they are available.

The show will be presented March 16-20 at the high school, 12 Berkshire Road.

Jane Matson, the production's director, occasionally made her way to the stage to help with footing or timing directions, but the students overall were in time with musical director Brett Boles as he played along on a piano to the show's "Be Our Guest" number.

The high school is seeking both sponsors for the production and audience support, online at

The show's title sponsor is Ingersoll Auto of Danbury. Ingersoll Auto of Danbury is also matching donations dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, in donations to the GoFundMe account, according to the school. Local businesses interested in sponsoring the production can contact Janice Gabriel at 203-426-7646.

Those planning to attend the show are asked to purchase tickets via the online box office site,

The performance schedule is Wednesday, March 16, through Saturday, March 19, at 7 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20, at  2 pm.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for students and senior citizens.

Along with Ms Matson and Mr Boles, the production crew also includes producer by Janice Gabriel, Kurt Eckhardt as rehearsal pit conductor, and Brian Tenney as technical director.

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