Making a song and dance about Beauty and the Beast

Six young actors were delighted to have been selected for the cast of the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast.

Young actors are all stars in the making

Six young actors were delighted to have been selected for the cast of the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast.

Gabrielle Vaggis (12) and Caitlin Roach (10) from North Rocks, Jessica Rookeward (16) and Maddison Burton (17) from Winston Hills, Jacky James from Northmead and Leah Taggart (12) from North Parramatta beat 300 other participants in a highly competitive audition process.

Jessica Rookeward was “ecstatic” when she got the call and couldn’t wait to appear in another show.

Jessica had appeared in Hairspray by the same production company and was honoured to be selected for Beauty and the Beast.

“It’s nice to share this experience with different professionals and talents for the leads,” she said.

“Hopefully there will be new, exciting things for my career in the future.

“After my lead role in Hairspray things haven’t stopped and I’m loving every second of it.”

Jessica said the most challenging part of the show is not knowing what her extravagant costume will feel like on the day.

“This show is so intense in singing, dancing and acting and to throw a massively detailed costume on top of that is going to be tough,” she said.

“From the Beast’s big hairy costume, to a little egg cup or spoon, this show will look extravagant.”

Beauty and the Beast is a production of Disney’s timeless animated film.

The story is about a prince who is cursed with a bestial form that can only be cured by true love.

Tickets are now available for Beauty and the Beast, produced by Packemin Productions

■ The show runs from July 18 and continues until August 2 at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre

■ Tickets start from $35 and can be booked online at riversideparramatta.com.au