Arts Alive!​ and Hampden Meadows School will present Beauty and the Beast this weekend. Four performances are scheduled.

“What makes ​Beauty and the Beast​ so timeless? There is something about the story that is so powerful that we want to return to it again and again,” said Dena Davis, artistic director of Arts Alive!

“The ‘happily ever after’ comes with two powerful lessons: True love is when you are willing to sacrifice yourself for another, and, it’s not what is on the outside, but what’s on the inside that counts."

Hampden Meadows School students have been working hard in rehearsals and excited for the upcoming performances. There will be four shows —  Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 9,​ ​at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 10 at 1 p.m. All performances will be held at at Barrington High School.

"Our epic venture to re-tell this story has been a collaborative joy," added Ms. Davis. "The passion and care that these young actors give to their performances is inspirational. As the children explore the intricacies of the human experience through a play, they are learning more than just storytelling – they are learning empathy, compassion and real-life lessons which ultimately make them better people. Another reason the arts play such a valuable role in education!”

Tickets are available in advance online at ​https://artsalivebarrington.org/ ​for ​$7,​ or at the door before each performance.