Belle, played by Lauren Miller, (right) and her mentor during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Gaston, played by Andy Sautel, doesn't understand why Belle, played by Lauren Miller, likes reading. Both performed at Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times

Meg Conroy takes the mic to talk about her experiences before the Special Gifts Theatre product of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month in Winnetka. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

The villagers offer Belle, played by Lauren Miller, food and flowers, but she's more interested in books, during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Belle, played by Lauren Miller, (right) and her mentor during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

LeFou, played by Danny Svachula (left) and Gaston, played by Andy Sautel, during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Maurice, played by Tyler Savitz, left, wheels out his invention during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Maurice, played by Tyler Savitz, left,, with his invention during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater earlier this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Alex Battistoni plays Chip during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Maurice, played by Tyler Savitz (arms raised), with his invention during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Lumiere, played by Jared Peterson, during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Alexa Donato, who plays Sultan, during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Alex Battistoni plays Chip during the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater on Saturday, March 9. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Jack Martin is the Beast in the Special Gifts Theatre production of "Beauty and The Beast" at Skokie School Theater on this month. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media