School cancels “Beauty and the Beast”

The North Iowa High School musical production of “Beauty and the Beast” is now cancelled, as the school decided it would not be possible to hold the musical on its rescheduled date of June 21. Shows were originally planned for March 20 and 21, but everything was put on hold when classes were cancelled at schools throughout the state on March 15.

North Iowa Supt. Joe Erickson says guidelines from the Iowa Department of Education really restrict what schools are able to do throughout the month of June, and even though baseball and softball will be allowed, those activities are the exception.

“We are moving forward with graduation, because there was no guidance on that. There was very specific guidance on things like drama productions and strength and conditioning programs,” said Erickson. “Since we’re not able to have the students in the building, even recording the performance isn’t an option.”

Many people had already purchased their tickets for the musical, and refunds are available. Anyone who paid by check will have their check voided. Checks will be kept at the elementary office until July 15, at which point they will be destroyed. Anyone who paid for tickets with cash may return their tickets to the elementary office to receive a refund. Any money from tickets not refunded by July 15 will be given as a donation to the school’s drama department.