The Andrean High School Theatre Company has chosen to highlight the classic musical romance “Beauty and the Beast,” with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, playwright Linda Woolverton and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, as its spring presentation.
“I chose this show for two reasons,” said director Stephen Grabek. “The first being that it is a challenging show all around — from creating scenery on such a massive scale, to helping coach actors into fully developing such famous and important characters. These are characters that everyone knows, so it is vital that the students do them justice.”
His second reason was for its appeal to children. “We really wanted to do something to bring joy to the kids who really love this film,” he said.
The story follows Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.
Beast must learn to love and be loved for the curse to end. He will then return 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.
Thirty-six Andrean High School students will take the stage and another 30 will work behind the scenes.
AHS junior Alex Lee, 17, is the assistant technical director and front of house engineer.
“I enjoy the challenge of organizing and troubleshooting such a technically-involved production,” he said. “I have learned more about sound, lighting, video and rigging by being directly hands-on with this program. I certainly wouldn’t be pursuing theatre in my career if I hadn’t joined this group.”
More Top Picks Best Robot Lawn Mowers
Molly Mueller, 17, will fill the role of Belle.
“Performing is something that I just love doing because I love making the audience happy,” the AHS senior said. “This role as Belle is especially exciting, as this is my senior year and my last performance with the AHS Theatre Company.”
Molly added that she has benefited in many ways as a member of the theatre group.
“Theater has introduced me to so many different, but great, people,” she said. “When I skipped a grade, I only knew a couple of people in my freshman class and I was too scared to talk to anyone. Theater was the only thing I was familiar with, so whenever I met new people I told them they should join theater. Whether it’s by building a glamorous set, running lights and sound, working behind the scenes or putting on a costume and acting like someone else, we all have this one similar goal.”
Ogunde Snelling, 17, will take the stage as Lumiere.
“This theater company has helped me get away from the problems I face every day,” she said. “It has kept me sane even when the hard work and long hours makes me crazy because I love it. It’s the reason I come to school every day and strive to do well in my classes so I can continue to live my dream of being a performer.”
Zachary Scalzitti, 15, will appear as Cogsworth the Clock.
The AHS sophomore wanted to appear in this play to “give people entertainment that can make them smile and have a good time.”
He added that the benefits of performing are well worth the time involved in preparation of the play.
“This theatre company has changed my life. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “There is nothing I’d rather be doing than acting in the Andrean Theatre Company. It’s my life, and I’m so proud to say I’m a part of the family.”
The students of the cast and crew, as well as the directors, have put in many hours since January in daily rehearsals, weekend workdays, dance instruction from Valparaiso University students who volunteered to teach the waltz and tango, as well as a full day with a choreographer from Illinois.
Grabek believes that the most important skill his students are learning, other than the obvious acting or technical skills, is collaboration.
“Theatre is all about working well with different people,” he said. “Not only is this an important life skill, but the kids also now see each other as family.”
‘Beauty and the Beast’
April 7, 8, 9 at 7 p.m.
April 10 at 2 p.m.
April 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m.
April 17 at 2 p.m.
Andrean High School Auditorium, 5959 Broadway Ave., Merrillville
Tickets: $10 for ages 10 and up, $7 for children under 10.
Information: 219-887-5281.