By MARY BARGDILL

Staff Writer
NEW BREMEN — A local community theater is gearing up for a production of a classic musical.
The Cresent Players will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” April 2-5 at the James F. Dicke Auditorium in the New Bremen High School.

Staff photo/Mary Bargdill: Tobias Ewing, a junior at Celina High School portrays the Beast and Laura Marsee, a junior at Memorial High School portrays Belle in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," a musical to be presented by the Crescent Players.

Director Christina Scheer has co-directed several productions for Fort Loramie High School. The Anna resident said this musical was ideal for adults and children alike.
“It’s family oriented, it’s something you can do as an entire family,” Scheer said.
The 50-member cast is one of the largest productions the community theater has ever put on.
“This has been the most challenging costumes,” Costume Director Wendy Rochotte said, noting the living wardrobe, Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth were among the more difficult costumes to make.
“The Be Our Guest scene requires difficult choreography because the characters will be wearing huge utensils and plates,” Rochotte said.
Laura Marsee, a junior of Memorial High School in St. Marys, plays Belle. This is the ninth Crescent Player production she has appeared in. Marsee said Belle is a lot of fun to portray.
“I like how dreamy she is,” Marsee said. “She’s always off in her own little world.”
Belle also wants to seek adventure away from the small village she lives in.
“She grows up a lot during the coarse of the play,” Marsee said. “After being away for awhile she appreciates what she had.”
Tobias Ewing, a junior from Celina High School plays the Beast. This is the first on stage performance he has ever appeared in.
“A friend told me there was an audition so I tried it,” Ewing said. “It has been a blast. It is so much fun singing and dancing around with people.”
Ewing said he enjoys playing his character, the Beast.
“I love the Beast mainly because he changes throughout the whole thing — scary, vulnerable and lovable,” he said. “It’s the life story of the Beast.”
Cast members have been rehearsing for the musical at the Faith Alliance Church and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, both in New Bremen since early January. The performers hail from New Bremen, Minster, St. Marys, Celina, Fort Recovery, Fort Loramie, Rockford and Troy.
“We have really appreciated the support we’ve had from area merchants,” Rochotte said. “We’ve been overwhelmed with the generosity of area businesses.”
The performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. April 2-4. They will also be held at 2 p.m. April 4 and 5. Pre-sale tickets are $8 for children, students and senior citizens, and $10 for adults.
Tickets will be $10 and $12 at the door. They are available at Wester Ohio True Value Hardware in Minster or by calling 419-628-4166 or by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it