Patrick Graham Director
Lindsay James
Music Director
Collin Kessler
Associate Director
Sam Barboza
Fight Choreographer
Becky Ochoa
Lighting Designer
Meagan Prendergast
Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Becca Graham Choreographer
Catie Taussig Production Coordinator
Dennis Hoge Set Designer
Caleb Powell Sound Designer
Harper Ward Choreography Apprentice
Nowadays, seeing a Disney show on tour at The Music Hall or on Broadway in New York feels easier than ever. It’s almost impossible to believe that when Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994, Disney had never attempted to adapt one of their movies for the stage. Disney took a gamble and assembled a dream production team with known Broadway stars, and the rest is history. Beauty and the Beast ended up running for thirteen years on Broadway, went on multiple national and international tours, and has now been produced by just about every high school and community theater in the nation.
Starting in January of 2025, amateur theater companies like First Act won’t be able to perform Beauty and the Beast for a while. Disney is preparing to stage a new version of the show and take it on a big national tour (and possibly a Broadway revival) That means seeing Beauty and the Beast at First Act is one of your last chances to see this show in Kansas City for awhile!
This show represents countless hours of work by passionate students, their incredible parents (yes, the sets/costumes/props/etc. were all done by parents!), and a dedicated staff. It takes a village, and we have one of the best villages at First Act
Underneath the incredible costumes, big dance numbers, and iconic songs, Beauty and the Beast is ultimately about the power of valuing and celebrating our differences, and about recognizing every person’s inherent, God-given value.
Belle is the best Disney princess in my opinion because she is inquisitive. She wants to know more about the world and people around her, which makes her compassionate and empathetic May we all take a page from Belle’s book and continue to be curious, kind, empathetic, and interested more in people’s character than in their outward appearance.
Enjoy the show!
Patrick
"Prologue".....................Young Prince, Enchantress, Enchantress Dancers, Beast
"Belle” ..........................................Belle, Gaston, Lefou, Silly Girls, Village Ensemble "No Matter What"........................................................................................Belle, Maurice "Maurice Travels/Wolf Chase" Maurice, Wolves
“Me”...................................................................................................................Gaston, Belle
"Belle (Reprise)".............................................................................................................Belle
"Home"…….......................................................................................................................Belle
"Home (Tag)"…….....................................Mrs. Potts, Madame de la Grande Bouche
"Gaston"……............................................Lefou, Gaston, Silly Girls, Village Ensemble "Gaston (Reprise)"…….................................................................................Gaston, Lefou "How Long Must This Go On?"…….........................................................................Beast "Be Our Guest"…….........................................Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Cogsworth, Babette, Madame, Enchanted Ensemble
"If I Can’t Love Her"……...............................................................................................Beast
"Wolf Chase"....................................................................................Belle, Beast, Wolves
"Something There” ...............Belle, Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip "Human Again"..............................................Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Babette, Madame, Enchanted Ensemble
"Beauty and the Beast" ……..............................................................................Mrs. Potts
“If I Can’t Love Her (Reprise)”..................................................................................Beast "A Change In Me"..........................................................................................................Belle
"The Mob Song"……............Gaston, Lefou, Monsieur D’Arque, Village Ensemble "Home (Reprise)"…….....................................................................................................Belle "Finale"……......................................................................................................Full Company
Eve Barkman...........................................................................................Village Ensemble
Milla Barnett............................................................................................Village Ensemble
Addison Blobaum……….........................................................................Village Ensemble
Bowman Brown Enchanted Ensemble
Isabel Buckingham…Enchantress Dancer, Napkin, Wolf, Enchanted Ensemble
Alayna Cannon……….......................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Dariya Cannon……….......................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Evie Christy………..................................................Napkin, Wolf, Enchanted Ensemble
Makail Cull…...............................................................................................................Maurice
Tacy Curtis……….........................................................Candle Maker, Village Ensemble
Navy Dewitt Shepherd, Village Ensemble
Eloise Dixon………............................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Esme Dixon………............................................................Madame de la Grande Bouche
Alexa Dust……….......................................................................................Village Ensemble
Kaylee Dust………..........................................................Villager Solo, Village Ensemble
Maddie Ehler………...............................................Napkin, Wolf, Enchanted Ensemble
Abigail Enyart..................................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Avery Evans.............................................................Gaston’s Crony, Village Ensemble
Maggie Falco Silly Girl Veronique, Village Ensemble
Evie Fisher..................................................................................................................Lumiere
Abraham Girard.......................Tavern Master, Gaston’s Crony, Village Ensemble
Bonnie Golson.................................................................Tapper, Enchanted Ensemble
Osa Harper...............................................................................................Village Ensemble
Remy Hilliard...........................................................................................Village Ensemble
Harper Hoge.....................................................................Babette, Enchantress Dancer
Helen Huenefeldt Baker, Village Ensemble
Sophia Huenefeldt...................................................................Marie, Village Ensemble
Lucy Hutchison……………………………………………....………Bookseller, Village Ensemble
Iris Johnston………..................…………………….........................................Village Ensemble
Kaeleigh Johnston………..................……………………...Flower Seller, Village Ensemble
Lily Johnston………......................................................Laundry Lady, Village Ensemble
Ellie Jones.................................................................................................Village Ensemble
Arden Jones……….............................................................Tapper, Enchanted Ensemble
Evan Kane Young Prince, Enchanted Ensemble
Daphne Kleinschmidt………..........................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Mackenzie Kleinschmidt……….....................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Matthew Kopina………....................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Addison Larson………..........................................Silly Girl Michelle, Village Ensemble
Jane Longstreet……….....................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Lil Manson.............................................................Napkin, Wolf, Enchanted Ensemble
Nash McGinness-Wood...............................................Tapper, Enchanted Ensemble
Karyss McReynolds………............................................................................................Lefou
Annabelle Menjares Enchanted Ensemble
Caroline Murphy………....................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Palmer Nicholas……….....................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Brynna Niebuhr……….............................................................................Village Ensemble
Jeremiah Okken…......................................................................................................Gaston
Matthias Okken………......................................................Tapper, Enchanted Ensemble
Amy Pham…..........................................................................................................Mrs. Potts
Andrea Pham Enchanted Ensemble
Adrienne Poindexter……….........................................Villager Solo, Village Ensemble
Myleigh Pollard………............................................Silly Girl Simone, Village Ensemble
Caden Quinn……….........................................................................................................Beast
Alice Reid……….................................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Ada Sanchez………..................................................................................Village Ensemble
Maddie Seematter………...................................................Hat Seller, Village Ensemble
Eva Sequeira....................................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Lila Shove Villager Solo, Village Ensemble
Riley Simmons................................................................................................................Belle
Hadley Smedvig.............................................................................................................Chip
Caroline Smith........................................................................................Village Ensemble
Liliana Stuhlsatz.................................................................Milkmaid, Village Ensemble
Abby Taussig...................................................................................Enchanted Ensemble
Bella Taussig..............................Enchantress, Napkin, Wolf, Enchanted Ensemble
Skarlett Thomas Village Ensemble
Jadyn Valentine...................................................Napkin, Wolf, Enchanted Ensemble
Isabella Webb.........................................................................................Village Ensemble
Sylvie Williams……………………...…………………Sausage Curl Lady, Village Ensemble
Claire Wolff………..................……………………...................................Enchanted Ensemble
Cole Wood-McKeown………....................…………Gaston’s Crony, Village Ensemble
Boston Woodward………..................................................................................Cogsworth
Grayson Zars......................................................Monsieur D’Arque, Village Ensemble
Riley Simmons as Belle Riley is 18 years old and a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School. This is her 12th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Riley’s favorite show she’s performed in is The SpongeBob Musical Off stage, Riley enjoys hanging out with her cats, reading, and listening to music. Riley would like to thank her parents for always supporting her.
Caden is 17 years old and a senior at Blue Valley Northwest. This is his FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Caden’s favorite show he’s performed in is Beauty and the Beast Off stage, Caden enjoys playing the piano, hanging out with friends, swimming, playing volleyball, and singing in choir. Caden would like to thank his mom and dad for supporting him in everything he does and Evie and Riley for encouraging him to do this show.
Jeremiah Okken as Gaston
Jeremiah is 16 years old and a junior at Kansas City Christian School. This is his 17th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Jeremiah’s favorite show he’s performed in is Hello, Dolly!. Off stage, Jeremiah enjoys playing guitar. Jeremiah would like to thank his parents and God
Evie Fisher as Lumiere
Evie is 17 years old and a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School. This is her 10th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Evie’s favorite show she’s performed in is The SpongeBob Musical as Squidward. Off stage, Evie enjoys reading all genres of books. Evie would like to thank her parents for supporting her throughout all of her performance career.
Boston Woodward as Cogsworth
Boston is 15 years old and a freshman at Lee’s Summit West high School. This is his 16th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Boston’s favorite show he’s performed in is Bye Bye Birdie as Mr. MacAfee. Off stage, Boston enjoys hanging out with friends, paddle boarding, playing volleyball, being a part of his student council, and eating. Boston would like to thank his mom and dad for always being there for him, his acting and vocal coaches Andrew Milbourn and Hillary Talken for helping him grow, his best friends Maddy Connelly and Grady Thompson for always being there, and Evie Fisher for being the perfect Lumiere to his Cogsworth.
Amy is 17 years old and a homeschooled senior. This is her 5th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Amy’s favorite show she’s performed in is Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Amy enjoys reading, embroidery, thrifting, baking, and taking care of her pet plants. Amy would like to thank the artistic team for their hard work, care, and patience, her family and friends for their love and support, and the audience for coming to see the show. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Smedvig as Chip
Hadley is 10 years old and a fifth grader at Forest View Elementary. This is her 5th show with First Act Theatre Arts Hadley’s favorite show she’s performed in is Junie B. Jones as Bobbi Jean Piper. Off stage, Hadley enjoys reading, going to see shows, playing piano, doing Legos, and spending time with friends. Hadley would like to thank her family, Lindsay James, and God for always being with her
Karyss is 15 years old and a sophomore at Overland Christian Schools This is her FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Karyss’s favorite shows she’s performed in are Beauty and the Beast and Little Women. Off stage, Karyss enjoys reading, singing, and watching musicals. Karyss would like to thank God, her parents for letting her be a part of the show, her directors for encouraging her, and her friend Myleigh Pollard for believing in her and making her do the show with her.
Makail is 17 years old and a senior at RayPec High School. This is his 9th show with First Act Theatre Arts Makail’s favorite show he’s performed in is Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Makail enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and going to choir tournaments. Makail would like to thank his mom for being a supportive parent and a great role model in his life whenever he’s wanted to do something
Harper Hoge as Babette & Enchantress Dancer
Harper is 15 years old and a freshman at Shawnee Mission North West High School. This is her 19th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Harper’s favorite shows she’s performed in are Tarzan and Hello, Dolly!. Off stage, Harper enjoys hanging out with her friends, doing diamond paintings, sleeping, or watching Instagram reels Harper would like to thank her parents for driving her to rehearsals and sacrificing so much for her, the directing team for helping to put together this show, and the amazing cast for making this show possible.
Esme is 14 years old and a freshman at Olathe East High School. This is her 4th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Esme’s favorite show she’s performed in is Legally Blonde Jr. as Paulette. Off stage, Esme enjoys singing, reading, baking burnt cookies, hanging out with friends, watching her sister perform her funny songs, building Legos with her brother, and driving while her parents dramatically clutch the sides of the car. Esme would like tot hank her wonderful family for being super supportive and flexible. Especially her Uncle Dave, lover of all musicals. The directing team and awesome committees! And her mom, for helping with all her crazy costumes, giving notes when needed, and just for being the biggest supporter and just being an amazing mom. Love you all!
Milla Barnett
Milla, Congratulations on your second play! We're so proud of you and can't wait to see the show
Love, Mom&Dad
Bowman Brown
Congratulations on your first show, Bowman! We are so proud of you!
Love, Mom, Dad & Barrett
Dariya & Alayna Cannon
Dariya & Alayna, We are so excited to see you shine on that stage!
Love, Mom, Dad & Aidan
Tacy Curtis
Tacy Curtis, we love you and are so proud of you! Mom, Joel and Sean
MaddieEhler
Breakalegtoourtinydancer We loveyou!Mom,Dad,andNolan AveryEvans Avery,wearesoproudofyou,on andoffstage.Yourockandwelove yousomuch.Shinebright,littlestar! Love,Mom,Dad,Owen&Hammy Avery,Shinelikeyoualwaysdo! Wishwecouldbethere!Loveyouso much!Love,GramaJillandGrampa Kenny Wearealwaysimpressedwithyour talentonandoffthestage!Weare soveryproudofyou!Keepon shininglikethestaryouare!Love GrandmaRoyandGrandpaBill
Maggie Falco
Congratulations Maggie! We are so proud of you always! Love, Dad Mom Jack and Rogers
Bonnie Golson
Congratulations on another wonderful show, Bonnie! Watching you shine onstage is our greatest joy! Love you! Mom, Dad, and Johnny
Harper Hoge
We're so excited to see you "dust" the stage and steal Lumiere's heart! Love, Your Family
Sophia & Helen Huenefeldt
Sophia & Helen, congrats on another great show! You are the cutest Marie and Baker! Love, Mom & Dad
Arden Jones
We love you Arden! Mom, Dad, David & the Dogs
Ellie Jones
Congratulations on your first show, Ellie! We love you so much! Enjoy and go have some fun, kiddo! :-)
Evan Kane
Way to go, Evan! We love watching you do your thing and shine on stage! You are the PRINCE of our hearts! Keep shining! Love, Mom and Dad
Matthew Kopina
Congratulations on your fourth First Act show, Matthew! We love watching you perform on stage. We are so proud of you! Enjoy every moment this week and have fun. Break a leg! Love, Mom, Dad, & Ava
Lil Manson
Lil, Your joy shines brightly on and off the stage. We love you! Love, Mom, Dad, Drake, Ries, and Joey
Karyss McReynolds Karyss congratulations! We are all so proud of you! Love, Mom,Dad, Jordan, Jonah and all your KCC Softball Sisters!
Nash McGinness-Wood
Nash - Congratulations on another show! We love watching you grow and becoming the young man and great human you are. Keep smiling and being positive! We love you are so very proud of you! Love Trish Michelle and Tatum
Palmer Nicholas
We are so proud of you Palmer! You shine on stage! -Love, Mom, Dad, and Payton
Adrienne Poindexter
Adrienne, We are so proud of you! Your talent shines in whatever role you take on Love, Mom and Dad
Myleigh Pollard
Congratulations Myleigh! We are so proud of you and your many talents! ~Love Dad, Mom, Mackenzie, Macie, Madisyn
Caden Quinn
Caden, we are so proud of you and all your hard work! We will always remember your incredible performance!
Alice Reid
Congratulations, Alice You are our favorite little teacup! We are very proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad, and Kate
Ada Sanchez
Congrats, Ada! Your hard work, dedication, and talent truly shone on stage. Keep shining and reaching new heights this is just the beginning! Love, Mom, Dad, Papa, Zeezee, Ron, Kate, Georgia, Worth, Ivy, and Rugged.
Maddie Seematter
Maddie, We love seeing you perform and are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Rylie, and Hudson
Claire Wolff
Congratulations Claire! We are so very proud of you! You shine bright and we can't wait to see what's next! Keep following your goals! Mom, Dad, Violet, Paige, and Sadie
Cole Wood-McKeown
Cole we are so proud of all your hard work as Gaston’s Crony. Your love of musicals is contagious!!
Love, Mom Barb, Mom Teresa, Andrew, & Skyler
Boston Woodward
Boston, we are so proud of you! Keep singing and keep shining! Love, Mom and Dad
Grayson Zars
We are so proud of you, Grayson! What a star! Love, Grandma and Grandpa
Congratulations to our Grayson on another amazing performance! Enjoy every moment! Love - Mom, Dad, Camden, and Keaton
Backstage
Evans
Huenefeldt*
Nicholas
Reid
Woodward
Costumes
Dewitt
Dixon
Johnston*
Jones, Barbara*
Poindexter
Smith
Green Room
Blobaum
Brown
Cannon
Quinn
Shove*
Williams
House
Golson
Kane
McReynolds
Pollard
Simmons*
Stuhlsatz
Makeup
Girard*
Hutchison
Larson
Okken
Zars
Opportunity Baskets
Hilliard
Kopina
Valentine*
Wolff
Production Support
McGinness-Wood
Smedvig
Props
Barkman
Ehler*
Harper
Manson
Wood-McKeown
Refreshments
Cull
Curtis
Falco*
Jones, Becky
Murphy
Pham
Sequeira
Sets
Christy
Dust
Enyart
Fisher
Hoge*
Longstreet
Thomas Tech
Kleinschmidt
Sanchez
Seematter*
Souvenirs
Barnett
Buckingham* Menjares
Niebuhr
*Committee Head
First Act Theatre Arts would like to extend special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for their generous contributions to this show.
Casey McDormand and the Bell Center Staff for hosting this production
Lenexa United Methodist Church for hosting our rehearsals
Evangel Church & Kaw Prairie Community Church for hosting our classes
Erin Hillier & Darci Foster for being our tireless class coordinators
Maggie Miller for her dedicated service to our HEART program
Erin Barton & Steve Kleinschmidt for their excellent show photos
Dennis Ryan for the terrific show recordings
Rick Aldrich & Totally His Graphics for our awesome show shirts
Mikey Fletcher for his help with all things warehouse
Ginger Burns for her assistance with makeup
Cynthia Liggett for her help with props
Pam Bray, Gina Milbourn, & Sharon Kleinschmidt for their assistance with the organization of our costumes
Harper Ward for being an incredible Choreography Apprentice
Bella, Addison, & Jeremiah for being our worship team
A to Z for renting us beautiful costumes
Kenmark for renting us our awesome drop
The First Act Board and Staff for all of their support
Our amazing parent committees and wonderful volunteers: without you, our show would never be possible!
Catie Taussig for making our production run smoothly
Our wonderful Artistic Team for putting this show together
And most importantly, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible!
