Little princesses get VIP treatment for 'Beauty and the Beast'

A group of children Saturday got the opportunity to dress up like princesses and get a behind-the-scenes look at the new Wildhorse Children's Theater production of "Beauty and the Beast Jr.."

Organizers of the show thought that having a princess party would be a good way to introduce children to the show, and treat them like VIPs.

"Disney and the princesses are a big deal," said Carol Scott, executive director of the Wildhorse Children's Theater. "When we started thinking about how to capitalize on that and get the kids to meet the characters, so we thought the princess parties would be a good way to do that."

Most of the princess party attendees dressed for the part.

"The kids love dressing up, and we noticed that they come dressed up for the shows sometimes," Scott said.

As the kids sat down in the party room in the basement of the Northern Nevada Children's Museum, several of the characters came in to meet and take photos with them. They later were given a tour of the large castle set, and had front-row seats for the afternoon performance.

The first performance of the play took place Friday night, with two shows on Saturday, and another matinee planned for today. They follow the same schedule for next weekend, including another princess party on Saturday.

With more than 100 kids participating in two casts, Scott said this is the biggest show they have done.

"It's a beautiful, beautiful show," said show producer Pat Josten. "The set is phenomenal, the costumes are amazing, and it stays very true to the story. We had everyone crying in the audience last night."

Josten said tickets are available by calling 887-0438, or at the Children's Museum front desk.