Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

HMS Drama to bring ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ to stage May 2-3

Hopkinton Middle School Drama will stage a production of “Beetlejuice Jr.” May 2 and 3 in the HMS auditorium. The musical, adapted from the hit Broadway show, is something the students have been eager to perform for audiences since last fall.

“The kids have been excited about it since we announced it in November,” said Michael McKeon, the show’s director and new drama teacher at HMS.

Around 50 students have been working both on stage and backstage since January getting the show prepped. They have taken the lead in everything from acting to lighting, sound and moving set pieces.

“It’s a really impressively capable group of students coming to bring this together,” said McKeon.

“BeetleJuice Jr.” follows the story of Lydia Deetz, a death-obsessed teenager who moves in to a haunted house with her father. After being called on by Deetz to scare people away, Beetlejuice unleashes “a (nether)world of pandemonium.”

McKeon is directing the show alongside teachers Lisa Nielsen and Margarita Porzio, who are acting as musical drectors. HMS Drama alum AJ Porzio is returning as choreographer. McKeon noted that this year’s musical is a departure from other shows the program has done in the past.

“I wanted to do something that was appropriate but a little bit different,” he said, noting the show has “its own little zany flair.”‘

McKeon says he is so impressed by the work his kids are putting into the show, and hopes audiences will appreciate that effort as well.

“I’m just floored by their dedication and how much work they’ve put into the show,” said McKeon.

The shows on May 2 and 3 begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, and are available online through CUR8 or at the door.

Latest News

Wednesday’s Meet the Candidates Night highlighted contested races for the Select Board and the Board of Assessors, giving residents a chance to connect with the candidates and ask questions.

Trails Committee chair Peter LaGoy received criticism from fellow committee members on Wednesday over outreach he had initiated with the School Committee regarding a number of trail projects.

Competitive triathlete and Hopkinton resident Kayla McCann is taking on the marathon this year in support of the Brad Canty Underdog Scholarship Fund.

Hopkinton resident Autumn Tumbleton will be dashing home from Spain just in time to participate in the Boston Marathon this year.

Rajesh Panigrahi has found inspiration in his community at Legacy Farms and other fellow runners while training to run the Boston Marathon in support of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Hopkinton resident Megan Callinan and other runners will be running the marathon this year to support an array of local charities and organizations.

More than 40 Hopkinton residents are registered to take part in the Boston Marathon this year.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on Rachel Bouvier, a senior on the girls lacrosse team who recorded her 100th career point this season and is characterized by coach Marisa Remley as a player who puts the team’s success first.

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Chloe, a 4-year-old dog described as a “social butterfly” who would thrive in an active home with people who can keep up with her playfulness and energy.

Photo of the Day

Sculptor Michael Alfano touches up “The Starter” statue of George Brown at the Town Common on Thursday in preparation for Monday’s Boston Marathon.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO