Maya Radjenovich takes the stage as Belle in the local Bearcat Theatre Company production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” taking place in the Wheeler High School Auditorium Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. and then again Sunday, August 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Maya Radjenovich
Tickets are available for purchase by card online at https://www.bearcattheatre.org/summer-production.html. All tickets are general admission and will also be available for purchase at the door by cash or check.
Radjenovich, daughter of Ray and Vesna Radjenovich, grew up at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana participating in the choir and folklore groups.
The performance will mark the first time since 2019 that Radjenovich will take the stage in Northwest Indiana, but she has been active in a number of recent productions with credits including Hairspray (Amber); In the Blood (Amiga Gringa); La Cage Aux Folles (Anne); and Sweat (Jessie).
She is an upcoming senior at Purdue University with a double major studying Acting as well as Speech Pathology. She is also currently the Vice President Alpha Psi Omega Purdue Chapter. In her earlier education, Radjenovich was regularly involved in Munster High School’s theatre program and community theatre in Northwest Indiana.
Since her undergraduate academic journey began, Radjenovich has credits among educational, community, and pre-professional level performances. She plans on moving to Chicago post-graduation to pursue acting professionally.
Radjenovich shared, “I’d like to invite you and your families to come and enjoy the magic this weekend! I’m thankful for my family, friends, and cast mates for their constant love and support through the years.”
The performance is part of the Bearcat Theatre Company’s local summer community production with students and adults participating from throughout Northwest Indiana. It is produced by Jay Hanaway; directors Andrew Hanaway and Maddie Lessig; vocal direction by Jessica Ball; choreography by Kailee Turner.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
“Beauty and the Beast” was originally produced by Disney’s Theatrical Productions with original direction by Robert Jess Roth. Original music was by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The original book was by Linda Woolverton.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Additional limited tickets are also available for purchase to a special pre-show experience taking place Saturday, August 6 at 1:00 p.m. titled “Mrs. Potts Tea Party” where desserts and tea will be served, a special royal craft available for the attendees to make, and a story time with Belle, played by Radjenovich.
Participants will also have an opportunity to meet and get a photo with Belle and the Beast. Limited tickets are available for this special pre-show experience and may be purchased online at – https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/66216?fbclid=IwAR2UYIM5Ofzm-cy4NUwhdbRNqKP_pp2lx0x5FDr8d-079de_s7fmFKrOWBM
The entire cast list for this local production is available at the Bearcat Theatre Company website – https://www.bearcattheatre.org/cast-lists.html.
Tickets are $10 for Adults; and $7 for Students (18 and under) and Seniors (60 and over). For more information e-mail bearcattheatrecompany@gmail.com or call 219-759-2561.
Wheeler High School Auditorium is located at 587 W. 300 N., Valparaiso, Indiana, 46385.
