The curtain will rise Friday evening at 7 p.m. as dozens of middle school students take the stage for Hillside Avenue School's musical production of the "Beauty and the Beast."

Directed by Megan Ferentinos with assistant director Vincent Basciano and stage crew manager Meghan Fitzpatrick, the show stars several students who will stage the popular Disney tale.

Leading the large cast are Natalie Pastrof as Belle, Todd Sweeney as Beast, Lauren Costa as Mrs. Potts and Garrett Forrestall as Gaston.

Performances will be: March 23 at 7 p.m. and March 24 at 2 and 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Hillside Avenue School. For tickets, call 908-709-6229 .