Middle School Students Put Magical Twist on Beauty and the Beast

A talented cast of over 60 Middle School students performed the lively Disney classic Beauty and the Beast in the Hurlbut Theater last week. The characters worked to tell the tale as old as time in a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. 

The classic story tells of Belle (Gabriella Guillena ’29), a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast (Jake Norton ’29), who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress (Siena Bren ’30). If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be restored to his former self. But time is running out. Audiences witnessed the transformation of Belle and the Beast, accompanied by beloved characters like Lumiere (Chase Cunningham ’29), Mrs. Potts (Isabella Huang ’29), Chip (Isla Harney ’31), and Gaston (Aidan Lavender ’30).

 

This production was directed by Katie DeShan, assistant directed by Middle School teacher Cori Samskey, and musically directed by accompanist Lex Leigh. The performances, including musical numbers, “Be Our Guest”, “Human Again,” and “Gaston” showcased choreography by Michelle Hanna. 

 

Technical elements, overseen by Technical Director and Resident Designer Gordon Richins, Technician Justice Musick-Corson and Production Assistant Spencer Keane ‘10, showed off the new sound system in the Performing Arts Center. Stage manager Soren Forer ’29 led a team of over 20 Middle School tech students including Light Board Operator Tony Li ’29. This big production included numerous costume changes – some cast members have up to four. The costumes by Kirk Stefferud added incredible visuals to bring the show to life. He oversaw a team of Middle School students on the costume team. 

 

The show was a huge success. According to Ms. DeShan, “I am very grateful and so proud of all of the amazing work of the tech and cast. They are wonderful. We couldn’t have done it without them. It is a beast of a show!”