TORRINGTON – The Goshen County Schools Theatre spring musical has arrived, bringing with it princesses in ball gowns, horned beasts and a hunter who refuses to take “no” for an answer.

Director Erin Jespersen had to differ from her original idea for the play when more and more kids from all three Goshen County Schools told her they were going to audition. The final tally is a total of 28 cast members.

“They are super-fast learners,” Jespersen said about the kids. “The choreography that we learned went a lot quicker than I thought, which is amazing, and they’re just taking it by storm, and everybody says how much fun they’re having.”

With a mix of a handful of “veterans” and lots of kids who have never been on a stage before, Jespersen and the other adults in charge are proud of and excited for their students. This play has been in the works for several weeks now, each character memorizing lines, choreography and songs.

“I’m most excited to be somebody who sees everything and everyone as an object,” freshman Elias Bustmante said. Bustamante plays Gaston, the man with biceps to spare who can’t understand why Belle won’t marry him.

Bustamante also performed in the winning play “Divided, We Fall.” The winter play went on to win perfect scores across the board at the state championship earlier this year. While the cast encouraged kids to stay home from the winter showcase, this one is entirely different, with its target audience being kids and families.

“I’m just excited to do it for the little kids and seeing the reactions…I’m so excited,” Ruby Ringrose said. She plays the lead role of Belle, the beautiful bookworm capable of melting the heart of a beast. “Bring all the kids and come dressed up!”

Ruby’s sister Lola is also in the play. She plays Chip, the young child transformed into a teacup in the enchanted castle.

“[The students] have a safe place,” set director Chris Quillen said about the benefits of theatre. Quillen also directed the winter plays. “They make friends, and they learn to think for themselves and do for themselves.”

The Ringrose sisters also agreed making friends and overcoming their fears of public speaking were perks of being in theatre.

Tickets are $5. Goshen County School District No. 1 kids will have free admission. The cast and crew encourage audience members to come dressed up as their favorite characters. Doors will open an hour early for photo opportunities with the cast, a bake sale and signed photos for sale. Donations will all go towards getting the kids who qualified to the International Thespian Festival in Illinois this summer.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The play will begin one hour after doors open and will last two hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission in between acts.