Watkins Mill High School’s O’Shea Players will present Beauty and the Beast as this year’s spring play, opening tomorrow night, and running March 16, 17, 22 and 23 at 7 pm in the O’Shea Theater.

Unlike the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast, the cast of the show “represents the diversity found at Watkins Mill High School,” director Jamaly Allen said. “[Being] such a diverse school, I like to make sure the roles are diverse.”

The Beast will be played by senior Evan Thanicatt. “Showing the different levels of the Beast is difficult … it’s kind of hard to figure it out, but it has been very rewarding,” Thanicatt said.

Belle will be played by senior Elisabeth Warren.“It’s a great opportunity it’s such a thrill and a really big responsibility to take on, but I’m really blessed that Mr. Allen has allowed me to take this on,” Warren said.  Belle is “a Disney princess,” Warren added. “What’s not to like about her?” 

Senior Eudel Ndong, who has been dancing since she was 11 years old, and is the dance captain for the production. “I just like dancing so much, and I like that Mr. Allen saw my love for dance and saw how much of an impact it had on me and how much I could help in this situation,” Ndong said.

“I’ve always loved figuring out new shows and seeing how Mr. Allen can put his own perspective into it so I’m really excited this year,” Ndong added.

This year, the theater production has had its share of challenges, between the stage being flooded because a pipe burst and some cast members needing to step aside.

“I’ve always enjoyed directing, but directing this play in particular has been pretty tough,” Allen said. “Several people have dropped out because of grades and being sick… so it has been challenging.”

This play was chosen because “It’s a story about redemption,” Allen said. “I like the fact that [the Beast] messed up and it cost him and his friends a calamity .. but towards the end he finds true love and turns back to a human,” Allen added.