Dreaming of becoming a princess is a tale as old as time, but senior Madeleine Farren has something different in mind.

Farren will play the role of Belle in the all-school musical “Beauty and the Beast” Nov. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. Farren performed in the 2014 and 2015 musicals as well as the 2015 and 2016 one-act plays. Her involvement in theater began her sophomore year.

“I did not do musical freshman year because I was so shy and somewhat insecure, so I did not audition,” Farren said. “Sophomore year I built up the courage to do it, and I have loved every second since.”

Farren’s previous musical roles include a townsperson in “Cinderella” and a dance captain named Tessie in “Crazy for You.” This show will be her first in a leading role.

“I grew up seeing the musicals, and I knew I always wanted to be in it,” Farren said. “I feel really excited. I can be a role model to little kids because of this role, and I get to brighten people’s days which is always wonderful.”

Farren said she relates to Belle’s sassy nature and desire to exceed expectations and wishes she was more like her character in other ways.

“She is very strong in hard situations, and I am a crybaby,” Farren said. “I would probably find a nice corner to shed a few tears in if I was her.”

Along with the difficulties of learning roles and performing in front of a crowd, Farren and the rest of this year’s musical cast has faced the challenge of transitioning between directors after former theater teacher Dave Yirak’s retirement and the hiring of his replacement, Kylie Howell. Howell has worked with the musical beginning with auditions, so students were familiar with her.

“Mrs. Howell has been great,” Farren said. “She was a student teacher while I was in one act sophomore year, so I already had a bond there. She is doing a great job for us. It makes me want to perform well so it reflects well on her also.”

Farren said her involvement in the theater department over the years has also helped her build relationships with peers, becoming close with cast members during long hours of rehearsal, and her involvement in musical has also developed other skills.

“I love the friendships I have made,” Farren said. “Musical has shaped me more into a team player and taught me how to be courageous when on stage in front of a lot of people.”

Farren said people should attend the show for the musical experience and for the familiar fun of “Beauty and the Beast.”

“This year’s show is remarkable,” Farren said. “It has beautiful scenery, an incredibly talented cast and the classic love story everyone has grown up with.”

After high school, Farren plans to continue in her musical endeavors by attending West Texas A&M University and majoring in music education.

“I tried to have life without music at one point, and it was the worst,” Farren said. “Music adds so much vibrancy to life, and I truly would not have as much fulfillment out of life if I did not have music.”