For every Disney movie he’s watched, Nicholas Rivera, of Glenview, 13, a seventh-grader at Ariella Joy Frankel Keshet Day School in Northbrook, has memorized the script.
So to have the role of a singing baker in a Disney children’s theatre production is fitting, said his parents.
“Nicholas has a love for all things Disney and singing is his joy,” said Francine Rivera, his mother.
“This past fall, when we were told that the production would be ‘Beauty and the Beast, Jr.,’ we knew immediately that Nicholas would want to be a part of it,” said his father, Albert Rivera.
Nicholas, a student with autism spectrum disorder, was among those who auditioned for the 23rd annual spring musical, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.,” presented by Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago in Northbrook.
Nicholas was among 72 cast, crew and band members who participated in the April 2 and 3 shows at the Glenbrook North High School Sheely Center for the Performing Arts in Northbrook, 2300 Shermer Road.
The “Beauty and the Beast” story explores finding true love. Belle is a French villager and Beast is the prince who was cursed for past unkindness.
Nicholas is the only student in the musical from the Ariella Joy Frankel Keshet Day School, which is housed within the Solomon Schechter Day School, 3210 Dundee Road, where K-8 students with disabilities participate in inclusive programming with SSDS students.
“I’m not only thrilled to have Nicholas here, it’s an inherent core part of the program,” said Dr. Andrew Rosenson of Skokie, a radiologist and the show’s director.
His wife, Marsha Rosenson, is conductor and musical director.
“That sense of inclusion is mirrored in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because it’s about the beauty that’s within,” Rosenson said. “And including somebody from Keshet is what we do.”
The Keshet organization provides educational, recreational, vocational, residential and social programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, pre-school through adult.
“Successful integration between Keshet and our host school sites is truly a collaborative effort on the part of administrators, teachers, para-educators and students,” said Keshet inclusion facilitator Lori Zisook. “As the Keshet inclusion facilitator of 18 years, I am extremely proud of all involved.”
Last year, Nicholas appeared in the “Aladdin” production. This year, he wore a mustache and a tall baker’s hat.
“I like the costumes,” Nicholas said happily of his role.
Nicholas learned dance steps with his peer mentor, Sarah Erlichman, 14, of Inverness, a SSDS eighth-grader who plays Mrs. Potts. He also sang Hebrew songs featured in some numbers.
“It’s really awesome to see him grow and be able to do all of this,” Sarah said, of Nicholas. “It’s a very big deal, definitely, I think it’s amazing how he’s come so far.”
Sarah’s mother Ellen Erlichman said she’s proud of her daughter.
“There is no more compassionate cause than to help others,” Ellen Erlichman said. “Nicholas and the other Keshet children have a special place in Sarah’s heart and in the community.”
Rey Castrejon of Highwood is a para-educator who works with Nicholas.
The stage can help Nicholas, “express himself for who he really is,” Castrejon said.
Dress rehearsals took place the last week of March.
Noa Chamberlin, 13, an SSDS eighth-grader of Highland Park, has the role of Belle.
“He’s always in such a good mood,” Noa said, of Nicholas. “He learns everything he can and he’s so sweet to everyone. He’s always smiling.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter.
