A cast of 31 students, grades 4 to 8, from Hills-Beaver Creek, Hills Christian and West Lyon schools thrilled audiences during three performances this past weekend of the musical, “Happily Ever After ... The Beginning,” a prequel to the production the group did last fall. The play was written, scored and choreographed by co-director Jill Funke. She joined forces with co-director Brandy Forshey and a team of volunteers to bring a new fairy tale to life.

The production showcased the struggle between good and evil. Throughout the tale there was music, dancing and sword fighting. In the end the audience witnessed the fall of their hero, Lyrean, who, after witnessing the death of his true love, is tempted to the side of the witches and warlocks by head warlock Zoldeev.