The St. Gabriel Parish Children’s Musical Theater Group will present two performances of Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast Jr.” Performances will be held in the St. Gabriel Parish Center, 100 N. Main St., Marlboro, April 10 at 7 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m.

Co-directors Amy Scotti and Lillianne Torrente are proud of the dedication displayed by the more than 30 students in the cast and stage crews, all parishioners in the fourth through ninth grades.

“They have been working hard since August, and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be their third successful production,” Scotti stated. She indicated that “Godspell Jr.” and “Guys and Dolls Jr.” were performed in previous years. Approximately $3,000 has been generated for the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society from past performances, according to Torrente.

“It’s important for the children to learn about the meaning and significance of service and to know that what they do has a greater purpose. They really take what they do very seriously,” Scotti stated. The St. Gabriel Children’s Musical Theater Group was established two years ago by Scotti and Torrente.

They also serve as co-directors of the St. Gabriel Children’s Choir and have enjoyed a 10-year partnership in that capacity.

“Amy and I decided to accept the challenge and establish the group, so students would have an opportunity to use their talents in service to others and would also benefit from additional opportunities to perform.

“It has grown from 15 students to 50,” Torrente stated.

Explaining that ‘junior’ productions are versions tailored for children, Scotti credited theatrical entertainment company Music Theater International for providing show kits and compact discs which contain the musical score.

Production efforts, which include set construction, costume design and choreography, have been undertaken enthusiastically by a committed group of volunteers, according to Scotti.

“Lots of parents have stepped up to volunteer and are putting in lots of hours. They are extremely supportive,” she said. Scotti estimated that over 150 hours has been expended to date, and she commended Jackie Mercandetti for choreography, Deacon Rich Scotti and Mike Torrente for set design and construction, and parent liaison Gina LoMonaco.

Rich Scotti, a deacon in St. Gabriel and co-director Amy Scotti’s husband, detailed some of the effort that has gone into stage construction. He and Mike Torrente are working on props, a stage extension, and two revolving flats on casters with different scenes on each side.

“Every year presents a new challenge, and devising new ideas is fun.

“It’s a different way for me to give back to the parish community aside from my service as deacon, and I am happy to be a part of it” Deacon Scotti added.

Tickets are $8 and will be sold at the door prior to curtain time. Proceeds will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Co-directors Scotti and Torrente urged people in both the parish community and community at large to support the production by attending or by sending a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Checks can be sent to the attention of Scotti and should indicate support for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church, 100 N. Main Street, Marlboro, N.J. 07746. Information is available by calling the parish office at (732) 946-4487 or by viewing the website www.stgabrielsparish.org.