Houston Performing Art Scholars Set to Perform Beauty and the Beast JR.

Houston, TX – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is playing on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Wortham Theater Center. The 60-minute musical, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the 1994 Broadway production and Disney’s 1991 animated feature film. The cast includes over 200 3rd-8th grade students at Rhodes School for the Performing Arts, led by Superintendent Ashley Miller, Fine Arts Coordinator Bradford Deyon, and Theater Director Tracey Matthews.

Over a decade ago, Rhodes School for the Performing Arts (RSPA) began showcasing its scholars in what became the Annual Production. Countless hours are spent each year preparing for the “Big Stage” moment when young performers across both RSPA campuses demonstrate their mastery and command of each classical fine art genre – dance, voice, musicianship, visual arts, and theater.

This past spring, RSPA presented a special encore performance of Lion King JR. to celebrate its 15-year anniversary, which fans continue to rave about to the present day. This holiday season, RSPA is excited to welcome its families and the community back to the theatre for an incredible masterpiece with beautiful sets and vibrant costumes as spectators are transported from their seats to the Beast’s enchanted castle.

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 a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score, such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.

RSPA’s 2023 Christmas Production is Thursday, December 21st, at Cullen Theater at Wortham Theater Center located at 501 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the show begins at 7:00 PM.

Tickets are on sale starting at $19.00. For information on purchasing, please visit houstonperformingarts.org/events or call 713-226-7449.

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Rhodes School for the Performing Arts is a Fine Arts Magnet School of Distinction. Established in 2007 by Michelle Bonton, RSPA serves over 400 students in grades Pre-K-8 across two Houston campus locations. RSPA boasts a STEAM curriculum and is home to several Fine Art ensembles such as choir, visual arts, percussion, piano, dance, violin, and theatre arts. Rhodes School for the Performing Arts is dedicated to providing students with an exceptionally well-rounded and innovative learning experience. To learn more about RSPA, visit RhodesSchool.org.