Rosary to stage 'Beauty and the Beast'
What does a director do when faced with having too many talented actors and not enough lead roles? For Ali Kordelewski and Megan Drahos of Rosary High School, the solution was clear - double-cast the roles.
To accommodate the abundance of talent, two different sets of actors will perform on different nights in the Aurora school's production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."
The musical will be performed Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 8, at Rosary's McEnroe Auditorium, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora.
Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.
If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
The musical team includes Drahos as producer, vocal and pit director; and Kordelewski as staging director; with choreography by Kordelewski and Rachel Mitchell.
The cast includes 55 students from Rosary High School and Marmion Academy in Aurora. Music is provided by members of the Rosary Symphony Orchestra, the Rosary Chamber Orchestra, and the Marmion-Rosary Band, as well as several local musicians.
Kordelewski and Drahos took time to answer some questions about the production for the Daily Herald.
Q. Why did you choose "Beauty and the Beast" as your fall play? How is it different from the Disney movie?
Ali Kordelewski. We thought that this show was an excellent choice with the talent that we have to let each student have a chance to shine with so many different characters in this show. We also believe that this story has a beautiful message as well, where beauty is found within.
Megan Drahos. This show features the beloved songs from the original movie, including "Be Our Guest" and the title track, as well as additional numbers from composer Alan Menken and musical theater legend Tim Rice. The story and the music inspires us to take the time to get to know one another, find joy in our differences as well as our commonalities, and to always speak from the heart.
Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production?
Kordelewski. Some of the challenges that we have experienced are the sheer amount of different elements that go into this show. We have many members in the production that sing, dance and act. In addition, we have the pit musicians, stage managers and stage crew who have made all of the effects possible. There are also many costumes in this show. You will recognize the different characters in this show and will see the different costumes that were either made or rented for each person.
Drahos. Another challenge has been the time frame for putting on a large-scale production. Auditions happened the week after school started, and then we only had about eight weeks to put the vocals, blocking, choreography and the set/tech elements together.
Lastly, since we decided to double-cast many of the roles due to so much wonderful talent, this required more rehearsal time and work on the students' part. But everyone rose to the occasion and learned from their doubles.
Q. What has been most rewarding or gratifying?
Kordelewski. The most rewarding part of the experience has been seeing the students create the story that comes to life on stage. To see all of the work that the students have done and the way that they have transformed since the beginning is such an incredible experience.
Q. What criteria did you use for casting the lead roles? Was this a difficult or easy show to cast?
Kordelewski. It was extremely difficult to cast this show. We have a large amount of talent and we had many students audition for the show. We had such an overflow of talent this year, that we decided to double-cast certain roles - certain roles are being played by different actors on Thursday/Saturday and Friday/Sunday.
Q. What other events are planned with the show?
Drahos. We also have some special events happening this weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 7, the adults can enjoy a wine reception and hot d'oeuvres before the 7:30 p.m. show, as well as desserts at intermission. The cost is $30. Preregistration is required; visit www.rosaryhs.com/musical or call (630) 896-0831. Also, we welcome everyone to join us for Brunch with Belle at noon Sunday, Nov. 8. There will be a chance for autographs and pictures with the cast; the cost is $5.
If you go
What: Rosary High School's production of "Beauty and the Beast"
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 5-7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
Where: Rosary High School's McEnroe Auditorium, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora
Tickets: $10 for adults and $8 for students, senior citizens and children
Extras: Brunch with Belle and the cast is planned for Sunday at noon, and Saturday evening features a preshow wine tasting with hot hors d'oeuvres, an opportunity for photos with the cast, and a dessert reception during intermission. Pre-registration is required. Both events are fundraisers sponsored by the Rosary Fine Arts Boosters.
Details: Visit <a href="http://www.rosaryhs.com/musical">www.rosaryhs.com/musical</a> or call (630) 896-0831.