Be Maine West's guest for 'Beauty and the Beast'
Maine West's Fine Arts Department is excited to present Disney's "Beauty And The Beast" at 7 p.m. Feb. 24, 25 and 26 and 2 p.m. Feb. 27. The show is directed by David Harmon. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults.
To purchase tickets, visit www.mainewestdrama.org.
In addition to the Sunday matinee Feb. 27, there will be a special Storytime with Belle prior to the show. This event will feature a meet and greet with several members of the cast who will also be reading a story, a photo session with cast members, and surprise gifts for attendees.
The event runs from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at mainewestfab.com/musical.
The cast is made up of 55 students who auditioned and demonstrated skills in acting, singing and dancing.
"The energy of the cast is what stands out the most to me. This year's turnout for auditions was the biggest this school has seen in recent history," Harmon said. "Watching some of the newer actors learn and engage with the more seasoned actors is amazing to see from a directing perspective."
The show will be accompanied by a full, live pit orchestra conducted by Bernie Gerstmayr, Maine West band director. The orchestra is composed of 27 student musicians from the band and orchestra programs at Maine West.
Behind the scenes is a tech crew of about 20 students under the direction of auditorium manager Peter McManus. The crew is designing and constructing the set, designing and controlling the lighting, organizing all props, and handling all of the sound engineering. Costumes are being designed by Kate Murphy.
Lex Haliotis, junior tech crew member, mentions how great it is to see a whole new group of people involved in this year's production.
"The most enjoyable part of the process for me is the building of sets. It's really low energy and chill, just getting work done and hanging out. I think the audience will appreciate just how much we do, and how we make a lot of the things we do interesting."
For many of the new members, creating new connections and new friends has been an added bonus. Sophomore Daniel Solomon landed the role as Gaston.
"I personally have never been in a musical production before. This was my first audition, and I ended up landing a major role, for which I'm extremely thankful," said Solomon.
"Secondly, the most enjoyable part of the process is watching my peers grow out of their shells, and experience new things alongside me. I've watched friends who have never been comfortable speaking in front of a crowd become full-fledged singers."
Playing Belle is senior Ali Krieger. She feels that after being in quarantine, when engaging with others was so limited, it has been very enjoyable to rehearse with people again and directly work together.
"What makes this production stand out from other productions is the energy, commitment, people, and all the work that we have put into it. Especially, unlike last year, this year we have the wonderful opportunity to perform live again," Krieger said.
"This musical is giving the students involved a chance to feel like we are getting back to normalcy."
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