Beauty meets beast in Schaumburg Dance Ensemble production
Hanover Park dance student Amanda Hickey comes of age as she dances the title role in this weekend's original adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," at Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts.
The Bartlett High School sophomore finds herself in a castle with the scary beast, played by Diony Dominguez of Streamwood, before ultimately dancing a romantic pas de deux with the prince, professional guest artist, Nick Pupillo.
It's a far cry from her last principal role, when she danced the part of young Clara, who opens the sparkling party scene in "Nutcracker."
"This role is so much more challenging," Hickey says, "with the pantomiming and playing the wide range of emotions that Beauty goes through."
Hickey and Dominguez lead a cast of 69 dancers, representing nearly 20 dance studios from throughout the Northwest suburbs.
The lavish production drew Schaumburg officials to create nearly all new costumes and sets, as well as draw on the talents of guest choreographers to design each of the dance scenes -- set to contemporary and classical music.
"It was a large undertaking," says Camille Baranchik, artistic director, "but the result is beautiful."
However, right from the start, Schaumburg officials make the distinction that this production of "Beauty and the Beast," is not your traditional Disney version.
Instead, they've mounted an original ballet around the original 17th century French fairy tale, and audience members will see the differences.
Baranchik points to Beauty's father, played here by Kenn Matlock of Rolling Meadows, as one big difference.
He turns up in the first act, in the garden scene, where the beast makes his debut, amid dancing flowers and butterflies, before the two have a confrontation.
The scene is a breakout one for Dominguez, who typically plays the role of the villainous Mouse King in the "Nutcracker."
"He's great at playing villains," Baranchik adds. "He's really marvelous."
Other surprises include clogging cows, dancing country ducks and a snowstorm dramatized through innovative choreography.
Yet, just to make sure that those watching the performances can follow along -- particularly youngsters -- a narrator, Chicago actress Caron Buinis, will help advance the plot and clarify some of the scenes.
The addition of a narrator, is reminiscent of the one used in Schaumburg's interpretation of the "Nutcracker," that Baranchik believes helps to set their version apart.
"The lively narration drives the action," says Rob Pileckis, production supervisor, "to make this Beauty a truly enchanting production for the whole family."
If you go
What: Schaumburg Dance Ensemble presents "Beauty and the Beast"
When: Noon and 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg
Cost: $22 or $12 for seniors and students
Contact: (847) 895-3600 or visit www.prairiecenter.org