June 25, 2025
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‘Beauty and The Beast Jr.’ opens in January

Lucas Sus, as The Beast, and Hailey Barngrover, as Belle, will perform at Sandwich Opera House in January. (Contributed photo)

Indian Valley Theatre will present “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad Ave., Sandwich.

The cast consists of children 18 and younger from Sandwich and surrounding communities. It is directed by Susan Graham.

The show tells the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Hailey Barngrover, 12, of Somonauk, performs the role of Belle. She has appeared in past IVT productions, including “Wizard of Oz,” “Toy School,” “Peter Pan” and “Alice in Wonderland.” This will be her first lead role. She is home-schooled at what she likes to call Barngrover Academy, is already singing professionally at various local venues and hopes to be a veterinarian someday.

Lucas Sus, 17, of Genoa, a junior at Genoa-Kingston High School, will portray the Beast. This is his first lead role he auditioned for with IVT, but it is not the first time he performed in the lead role. He filled in for the lead role as the hero in IVT's "Melodrama Shootout at Sadie's Saloon" after the original cast member sustained an injury one week before the show, and then he filled in as Captain Hook in IVT's "Peter Pan Jr." after the original cast member had to drop out. He plans to go to college and pursue a degree in education.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for 18 and younger. They can be purchased online or at the box office at the Opera House up until 30 minutes before showtime, if seats are still available. For questions, tickets or more information about Indian Valley Theatre, contact info@indianvalleytheatre.com or at 888-365-8889.