A tale as old as time is coming to the Mount Jordan stage this April with middle schoolers bringing the beloved musical “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” to life.

With high-energy musical numbers, an iconic ballroom dance and the emotional transformation of characters with a dash of adventure, the show gives middle school performers a chance to sing, dance, act and build friendships while learning how a full theater production comes together.

“I hope they gain how theater works from audition to final set take down,” said Melissa Quinones, show music director and producer. “My goal is giving students more opportunity and they’re gaining an experience they don’t experience in class. They also make friends across grade levels and that builds community and that is something that’s important.”

Performances will take place at 7 p.m., April 23 and 24 and at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., April 25 at the school’s auditorium, 9351 S. Mountaineer Lane (220 East). Tickets are $5-7 and available online through the school’s website: mountjordan.canyonsdistrict.org. Patrons are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to donate to the school’s pantry as part of the cast and crew’s service project.

There are 110 students in the cast as well as 15 students who serve on the technical crew under volunteer Colby Maughan. They run lights and sound and help design sets, props and costumes. The production also works with Sandy Arts Guild to borrow items from its warehouse.

Volunteer Cassie Smith said the classic story was chosen in part because it offers many opportunities for student-performers.

“We picked ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because it has a lot of lead characters and in a middle school production, I wanted to give as many kids an opportunity to have a part,” Smith said. “This show has a lot of people who have lines or sing, which I liked.”

Auditions were held in November, with the cast announced before Thanksgiving break. Smith said the process is designed to be welcoming to students who may be trying theater for the first time. Students auditioned in groups, singing and dancing. 

“We want everybody to have the experience of audition, but in a low-stakes way,” she said, saying traditionally everyone is accepted.

Once casting was complete, rehearsals began with music in December. Then choreography was added.

“Singing and dancing is hard for middle schoolers,” Quinones said. “Once they start the dancing, sometimes they forget to sing.”

Seventh-grader Kaisley Orr said the musical is one of the highlights of her school year.

“I decided to be part of the play because you meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends there; it’s like one big family,” Kaisley said. “I like making those connections.”

After being a cheerleader in “Beetlejuice Jr.” last year, Kaisley is part of the ensemble this year.

“I’m in the back and act like a villager talking and walking around while the main roles are singing,” she said. “I’m also part of the scene about Gaston where we get to sing and dance.”

Kaisley said she can use her dance background on that energetic number that includes props.

“We have mug-like things and dance with those. We put them in the air, we slam them on tables and we’re going to have barrels to slam them on those, too,” she said.

Although Kaisley felt nervous last year performing, she said experience helped boost her confidence.

“I was a little nervous last year because it was my first time doing anything like that,” she said. “Now that I’ve done it, it’s not scary, but it’s more fun and our parents, the whole school and community get to see how hard we worked this year. I’m excited for it. I’m 100% ready.”