The Mesquite Community Theatre will perform “Beauty and the Beast” Friday, June 17th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, June 18th at 2:00 pm.  It will take place at the Mesquite Community Theatre located at 150 North Yucca Street in Mesquite, NV.  This performance is part of the Virgin Valley Theatre Group Youth Summer Theatre Program.  The program was started last year by Wendy Wolfe-Killinger and Mitzi Bender.  They wanted to provide opportunities for youth in our valley to become well-rounded actors.  Last year, the students acted, sang, and danced but this year much more was added.  Wendy told us the number of participants in the program has doubled since last year.

The youth who wanted to participate in the play paid the $25.00 registration fee and auditioned in May of 2022.  If a student didn’t have the $25.00 for the registration fee, there were scholarships available.  After the rolls were assigned, the practices started on June 6th.  The participants didn’t just learn their parts but they helped build and paint sets and put together costumes.   Part of the cast made a special appearance at the City Council meeting on Tuesday to issue a special invitation to them and all others present.  It was impressive to see this creative group of kids in action.  In total, there are about 40 participants this year.

Without the support of many volunteers and donors, this project wouldn’t come together.  Wendy told us she is very grateful for generous sponsors and donors that make it possible to offer this type of program.  She said, “The cost of the Disney script and permission alone is around $2,000.”  On top of that, the other costs of set materials, costumes, and miscellaneous items run several hundred dollars.

Our community is lucky to have opportunities like this available for the youth.  Please consider being their guest this weekend for a fun-filled evening or afternoon.  Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.  They can be purchased online at mctnv.com.