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Artists and Mentors Shine in DeKalb's 'Penguin Project'

Tonight, the curtain rises on an elaborate production of the Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast Junior” at DeKalb High School. The sets are in place, the costumes are ready, and the 70 actors have been practicing their lines and moves all summer. But this isn’t your typical high school production. This is The Penguin Project

"Artists" with disabilities between the ages of 10 and 22 are paired up with similarly-aged "mentors" to take on challenging roles in popular musicals. This year, the Penguin Project troupe associated with DeKalb's Children's Community Theatre is performing "Beauty and the Beast Junior." Last year, it was "The Music Man," and "Annie" the year before that.

Shows are at DeKalb High School at 7:00 tonight through Saturday with a matinee on Sunday. 

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.