Beauty And The Beast Takes Over The Hippodrome

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Once upon a time...a Disney classic hits Baltimore. Beauty and the Beast is taking over the Hippodrome this weekend.

Gigi Barnett has more from some students who got free tickets to the show.

A prompt arrival for more than 2,000 students from Baltimore City and Baltimore and Frederick counties. They have free tickets to the latest show at the Hippodrome Theatre: Beauty and the Beast.

"We've been talking about this for a really long time and I've been waiting to go for about two months and I'm just really glad that I'm here now," said Roland Park Middle student Sydney Sauls.

The Hippodrome Foundation---the theater's non-profit arm---teamed up with school districts to get each student a matinee seat to Beauty and the Beast. The invitation sets the stage for students interested in all aspects of theater.

"I have always been in love with costume and stage tech and building props, so I want to kind of practice pursuing that and I think this is a really great opportunity," said Roland Park Middle student Lillian Imhoff.

The last student-only matinee at the Hippodrome was back in 2009. The Hippodrome Foundation says it was time to bring them back because for many students, this is their first time seeing a live production like Beauty and the Beast.

"It gets them excited to do theater," said teacher Kelsy Morsberger. "It's just great for them to see professionals at work."

Beauty and the Beast will play at the Hippodrome until Sunday.