HHS Drama Club Presents
Beauty and the Beast
The curtain will go up this weekend on the Huntington High School drama club’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The actors, musicians and stagehands associated with the show believe they have a hit on their hands.
The spring musical will take to the stage on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $10. Seniors, staff members and students with an ID card will be admitted for $5. Refreshments will be sold during intermission.
A talented and well-rehearsed orchestra will complement the efforts of actors and stage crew members, who have been toiling for weeks on the show. Huntington drama club advisor Michael Schwendemann is excited about the show, displaying his enthusiasm when asked to describe the plot line.
“At its essence, Beauty and the Beast is a tale of societal outsiders looking for redemption through the magic of acceptance and love,” Mr. Schwendemann said. “Society causes them to question who they are and where they belong. Others are punished for their selfish and hurtful actions; all told in the guise of a children’s story. Belle, a ‘smart, plucky young woman’ who enjoys reading – argh! – is mocked by the townspeople for not staying trapped in the gender role the world dictates for her. The Beast, the ‘master of the castle who used to be a prince’ – a selfish one at that – cursed to live in his current form until he learns to love and be loved in return.”
Mr. Schwendemann said “Belle is at first frightened by this cruel and unyielding taskmaster. The Beast learns selflessness from Belle, who exchanges her life for her father’s. She then embarks on a crusade to have him do the little things that can mean a lot; simply being polite. Though put off by his looks, we see their feelings for each other start to bloom right before our eyes. He begins to see the value of civility and she is able to see the burgeoning heart that beats beneath his expansive chest. Seeing the value of selflessness, he refuses her; a simple act of kindness that cements their love for each other. Beastly or beautiful, we should look into the heart of a person to see their true worth, not be fooled by what we perceive them to be - judge not lest you be judged – and we will all live happily ever after.”
Mr. Schwendemann is the show’s director and is also handling musical staging. Jordan Biener and Melissa Ingle are the student directors. Chris Helmke is the technical director and Jessica Castaneda is the musical director. Michelle Mallardi is handling choreography. Ken Gilbert is a technical consultant. Dana Freed and Victoria Lombardi are in charge of props. Veronica Mainville is the vocal coach. Nancy Fallon is the dance captain. Dana Freed and Norcostco Costumes are handling costumes and set decoration. Ellen Fleury designed the playbill.
The Huntington High School auditorium is handicapped accessible. There is plenty of convenient parking available. Call 673-2016 for more information.