'Be our guest': Experience 'Beauty and the Beast' at Madison Southern High School

Apr. 24—Get ready to be swept away into a "tale as old as time" when Madison Southern High School prepares to stage "Beauty and the Beast."

The spotlight will shine heavily on Jade Brewer, the show's leading lady, whose journey so far has given her serious versatility.

The actress has seven years of experience and can go from playing a "bad" girl, like "Grease" powerhouse Rizzo, to the straight, hard-working Donna in "Mama Mia."

However, Brewer admitted that the role of Belle had its particular challenges, as she finds it hard to separate her own personality from the character.

"I'm trying to make sure that I'm portraying her correctly and that you don't see me on stage. I want you to see Belle 100% of the time, even when I'm singing. I think that staying in character is probably a challenge because I relate to Belle and a lot of ways," Brewer shared, her words echoing the sentiments of a princess torn between two worlds.

Additionally, the actress explained that she focuses on many aspects of Belle's personality when preparing for the role, going beyond the bookish nature often associated with the character.

"I think about how she feels about her papa; I'll tie that in with my connection with my dad. I think of how she doesn't like Gaston, how she doesn't need a man, how protective she is. She wants to explore, and she wants to travel, and I relate to that myself because I would love to travel," she said.

The show's director, Madison Southern High School's Jeremy Grant, has been teaching drama for five years.

Grant's varied interests are a juxtaposition as stark as the contrast between the Beast's enchanted castle and Belle's bustling village.

"When I was in school, I played basketball but also did theater and choir," he recalled.

As a matter of fact, Grant went on to have an illustrious theatre background, commanding the stage at Berea's Spotlight Playhouse in shows such as "Shrek the Musical" and "Hairspray."

However, he also served the community for 15 years as a volleyball coach.

Though he has a foot in both worlds, he finds similarities and value in both, noting that kids can find belonging with people of similar interests and improve their outlook.

"I think the performing arts is another outlet for kids...maybe they're not athletic or sports isn't their thing, and so performing arts gives them something that they can be a part of and belong to and it helps improve their confidence and helps them be a part of an organization or group," Grant said.

Grant is thinking toward the future, encouraging community members to show their support and see the hard work the students have put into creating true magic on the stage.

Ticket sales are funneled right back into the drama department to support future shows.

"We don't get any sort of funding or budget, so the money we make from the shows turns right back around and helps us be able to do more and more shows," Grant explained.

Brewer, on the other hand, is just crossing her fingers, hopeful that will be a great show.

"I hope they feel like they're watching the Disney movie...but better because it's a musical. I hope they get that feeling of childhood nostalgia and enjoy our story, even though it's a story that they already know."

With each note sung and every line delivered, Madison Southern High School's "Beauty and the Beast" promises to be a timeless tale, reminding us all that beauty is found within the heart.

Tickets are available at bit.ly/mshsbeauty with general admission costing only $10 each and children three and under admitted for free.

Showtimes are as follows:

* Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 PM

* Friday, April 26 at 7:00 PM

* Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 PM

* Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 PM

* Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 PM