Nearly 100 students in both the music and drama programs at Chattahoochee High School will put on five performances of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” starting March 8.

“I hope [the audience] will get the magic of the show,” said Chattahoochee’s chorus director Jennie Blevins, who co-produces the musical along with drama director Jan Jensen.

Blevins and Jensen collaborate once a year on a musical production. Last year, it was “Sweeney Todd,” and students performed “Chicago” the year before.

Students auditioned for “Beauty and the Beast” in November and have been rehearsing since December, Blevins said. There are 48 students in the cast, 20 in the crew and 24 in the orchestra.

The musical follows the plot of the 1991 Disney movie, with the exception of a few additional songs, Blevins said.

“It doesn’t differ very much, because [the musical] is ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,’” she said.

Seniors Alex Crump and Sydney Eckart take turns playing the lead role of Belle and senior Griffin Freeman plays the Beast.

Although several parents volunteer their time to assist with the production, the performances are completely student-run, Blevins said.

“Once the show starts, it’s just the kids,” she explained. “They run everything. The kids are the stage managers, they’re the assistant directors, they’re everything.”

She added, “The kids make us excited every year. It’s so fun to watch them create this. We give them the guidelines, and they make it happen.”

While all the practicing for the annual spring musical is done after school, Blevins and Jensen will be teaching a music theater class together next year and students will rehearse during class for smaller productions throughout the year, Blevins said.

The performances of “Beauty and the Beast” will be March 8, 14, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 3 p.m. in the Chattahoochee High School auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. Children ages 5 and under enjoy free admission.

If you go:
 What: Chattahoochee High School presents Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’
 Where: Chattahoochee High School auditorium, 5230 Taylor Road, Johns Creek
 When: March 8, 14, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 3 p.m.
 Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for students and free for ages 5 and under
 Tickets: See any cast member, email hoochtickets@gmail.com or purchase at the door, if available.