It's a tale as old as time, and it's coming to the stage at Elizabethtown Area High School. Students from Elizabethtown Area Middle School will present "Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR." in the high school auditorium, 600 E. High St., Elizabethtown, at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.

The stage adaptation of the animated classic, with music by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, also features new songs by Menken and Tim Rice. Set in a picturesque French village, the story follows Belle, a bright and independent young woman who longs for a life beyond her small town. When her father, Maurice, loses his way on his journey to showcase his latest invention, he stumbles upon a mysterious castle and is captured by the fearsome Beast. In an act of courage and love, Belle trades her freedom for his, embarking on a journey that will reveal the Beast's hidden heart and the true power of love.

"Because it's a 'junior' show, there's no kissing or anything like that," said Adalei Marcarelli, a seventh-grader who plays Belle. "A lot of people have asked me about that, but I told them, 'This is the junior version of this show.'"

She explained that the show is a bit shorter than the Broadway musical version, and while some scenes have been cut or reduced in scope, the show does include new songs that may be unfamiliar to the audience.

Her favorite number is the song "Home," which showcases Belle's feelings about being imprisoned in the castle and wanting her freedom before she realizes home is where the heart is, regardless of location.

"I was really excited when I got this role," Adalei shared, noting that she played ensemble parts in last year's musical as a sixth-grader. "My No. 1 favorite song is 'Home' because it's a very emotional song, and I really get a chance to express how Belle is feeling. I really love the song."

She said embodying such a well-known character has been a fun challenge.

"It's not just about memorizing words and lyrics," she shared. "You have to put yourself in their shoes. Belle is sad, scared, nervous, excited. How would you feel if this story happened to you? You don't want to be that boring kid that stands out there on the stage and just reads the lines like they're reading from a book with no emotion."

Her castmate Callen McFeaters said playing one of the enchanted castle objects - Lumiere, a candelabra - has provided a chance to step outside of his comfort zone.

"A lot of people might think it's just about putting on the costume and playing the character," said the eighth-grader. "It's a lot more than that. You have to learn their personality. You have to be this personality. You have to act the role but also do it in your own way."

Callen has been working on perfecting a French accent for his role, and he's excited for the opportunity to showcase his talents in Lumiere's big number, "Be Our Guest."

"I do a lot of singing and dancing in that number, and it's been so much fun to learn," he said. "I get to be on stage with kids who are playing plates, napkins, utensils. There are so many moving parts. It's going to be really fun and interesting for the audience to watch."

The production features a cast and crew of 132 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students under the direction of Madison Buckley. This is Buckley's first time directing a musical for the district, but she has extensive experience in the theater industry.

Additional lead roles in the show include Beast, played by Wesley Ridall; Gaston, portrayed by Ben Creason; Lefou, played by Andrew Wagner; Maurice, portrayed by Ben Kleis; Cogsworth, portrayed by Liam George; Babette, played by Amelia Golihew; Mrs. Potts, portrayed by Kara Monaghan; and Chip, played by Leila Fikkert.

Putting this big of a show together is a challenge, the students said, and this year, it's been a little more intense than in the past. The cast has had only six weeks to prepare for opening night.

Students have been rehearsing almost every day after school to get ready, and both Callen and Adalei believe they are ready to give an entertaining and engrossing performance.

"I just really want to inspire people when they come to this show," Adalei said. "Most of these kids worked really hard to do this, and a lot of people would feel really respected if people came to see this show. We've done a lot in just a little amount of time, and I think it's going to be amazing."

Prior to the 2 p.m. show on Saturday, audience members may enjoy a meet-and-greet with Belle and the Beast, costumed characters provided by Hershey-based Everlasting Wishes and Company. The meet-and-greet will take place in the lobby of the auditorium.

Tickets for "Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR." are available at https://cur8.com/26201/project/130735 or may be purchased at the door. In-person sales are cash only.