Cast for Beauty and the Beast production set, St. Norbert College Music Theatre

DE PERE: The 48-member cast for Beauty and the Beast was announced today by Artistic Director Dudley Birder. According to Birder auditions for the musical produced the largest number of candidates in the 44-year history of Music Theatre. Over 120 adults and 67 children attended the audition sessions. Eighteen women, 17 men and 13 children were selected.

The cast will be headed by Chad Lemerande, Benjamin Schultz and Mari Bakken in the respective roles of The Beast, Gaston and Belle. Warren Elliott will play Maurice. Other female roles will be played by Gwen Noonan as Mrs. Potts, Holly Terrien Rottier as Babette and Annie Thompson as Madame Bouche. Leading male roles include Michael Knappen as LaFou, Matthew Kimmeth, Lumiere; Andrew Tolksdorf, Cosgworth; Mark Jackson, Monsieur D