Avalon puts on ‘Beauty and the Beast’

By: RYAN RUGGIERO
The theater group Avalon Players, Inc. will be performing the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast” at the Avalon Elementary School, 31st and Dune Drive at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 31, Aug. 1, and 2, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5.
The performance will mark the Avalon Player’s 23rd consecutive show.
Over 40 years ago the players hit the stage with their first performance “A Taste of Broadway.”
Avalon Players is a non-profit organization that gives children between the ages of six and 15 years old a taste of what it feels like to perform in front of a large audience. What makes Avalon Players unique is that every child who auditions is given some role in the show.
Parent and volunteer Kathy Tenzinger has been involved with Avalon Players for about 10 years and really believes it’s important that every child who auditions is given a part.
It makes the children feel so good about themselves and every kid that comes really feels a part of the show,” Tenzinger said.
About 125 children auditioned this year, and that many will be performing in two casts for the upcoming performance.
The cast includes local children as well as those who are here for the summer. The kids are not only from Avalon but also from other locales including Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor and Court House.
The Avalon Players have been performing since the end of June and only have five weeks to learn all the lines, songs and dances for the show.
“The kids are very excited and have been practicing really hard,” Tenzniger said.
The group relies on support from the community and sponsors to have its shows every summer. They also perform at nursing homes and at the Helen Diller Home for the Blind. Wednesdays during the summer, they play kickball with the blind children at Helen Diller.
The Players try to give back to the community as much as possible and are hoping to make a donation to the Diller Home after their performance.
Tickets for “Beauty and the Beast” are $7 and can be purchased at the door.
For more information visit the Web site at avalonplayers.org.
rruggiero@cmcherald.com