Whimsical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ onstage at Wheeling HS
Wheeling High School is presenting its spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” on the stage of the school’s Robert Lang Theater, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20-21.
According to director Jennifer Zorn-Sargent, the two main actors have made the roles of the beauty and the beast their own. Last fall, Melody Sylvester stormed the ring as a featured boxer in the school’s annual Fight Night event. Now, she is onstage as the kindhearted Belle.
Matt Erickson spends most of his time playing trumpet and guitar in Jazz Band 2, Wind Symphony, Marching Band and Pep Band. Although mild-mannered, Matt confidently tackles the role of the ill-tempered Beast.”
These talented performers join a cast of 30 as the Fine Arts Department presents the story of Belle, a young lady who feels “there must be more than this provincial life.” She is courted by Gaston (Lester Caramba), but does not return his affections. Her father, Maurice (Aaron Jung), becomes lost in the woods and stumbles upon the Beast’s castle. Lumiere (Harlan Rosen) and Cogsworth (Marco Mazzetta), a talking candlestick and clock, welcome Maurice, but the Beast locks him in the dungeon.
Belle agrees to trade places with her father, and while she dislikes the Beast at first, she realizes that there may be “something there she simply didn’t see.”
Other cast members are Julia McCarren (Mrs. Potts), Sean O’Keefe (LeFou), Tegan Reschke (Babette), and Maggie Monaxios (Chip).
Additional members of the production staff are vocal director Kirstin Snelten, choreographer Diane Rawlinson, technical director Derek Ellertson, orchestra director Alex Meza, and house manager and costume coordinator Orin Xavier.
Tickets are $10. Call (847) 718-7322 for reservations or information.