Beauty and the Beast Jr., with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, currently on stage at the Tower Theatre in downtown Roseville, is a smash hit. With a cast of 40 kids from ages 8-18, Beauty and the Beast delights the audience from beginning to final dance number. The costumes are astounding—from the talking teapot and her little tea cups, to the chandelier who sings, to the tiny footstool who roller skates. There’s dancing by forks and knives, and fighting when wolves with red eyes attack innocents who get lost in the woods. This show moves from scene to scene without pause, unfolding the story of the lonely beast isolated in his castle. All of the cast members sing and dance splendidly throughout this fast-paced show. Several soloists sing beautifully and deserve special mention, (in order of appearance): Belle (Elena Maddy), Cogsworth (Clarity Bortz), Lumiere (Noel Jensen), and Mrs. Potts (Carly Plageman). Lefou, played by Hunter Yocum, is quick on his feet whether dancing or being knocked over by Gaston (Stewart Wilson). This production owes much to the production staff for the splendid work they did on costumes and media slides, and especially to director/choreographer, Jennifer Bortz. Take the kids, girls and boys. They’ll love this show. And the parents will, too.