PVHS To Stage "Beauty And The Beast"
Kianna Winey, who plays the Wardrobe in the Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) production of "Beauty and the Beast," hopes audiences will be transported to the village in France where the action takes place. "I want it to be an experience to not just watch but feel a part of the story," said Winey, who explained that in multiple scenes characters in the show will be in and moving through the audience. Jarred Knepp, who plays Maurice hopes the show will reveal the message that each individual is special underneath the façade they may show to the world.
"Beauty and the Beast" will be staged at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3; 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the school, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers. Director Nathan Bankert said that he chose the show because he wanted to do a musical that would appeal to all age groups in the community. He also lauded cast members as "perfect for their parts."
"Beauty and the Beast" tells the tale of Belle, played by Celeste Huyard, and the Beast, played by Jazae Itegi, who is really a young prince trapped under a spell. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved before time runs out, the curse will be broken, and he will be transformed into his former human self. Based on Disney's Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes original songs such as "Belle," "Be Our Guest," and "Beauty and the Beast," the latter of which will be sung by Julia Shaubach as Mrs. Potts.
As rehearsals progress, students are learning to create characters of inanimate objects and preparing to sing and dance in larger-than-life costumes. Kylie McGowan, who plays Babette the Feather Duster, said that it is strange to play a cleaning apparatus, but she is enjoying bringing to life the character's personality. Both William Johnson as LeFou and Huyard noted that taking part in the over-the-top musical means playing everything large. "With everything you have to put in your full effort," said Huyard. "When I am angry at Gaston, (played by Jamison Castor), I am really angry."
All the students were familiar with the material, since most had grown up watching the movie. Itegi said that he loves the story, especially the transformations that occur in both Belle and the Beast. "They both show true character," he said. Huyard agreed, saying that Belle is inspiring in the way she warms up to the Beast as they become friends and she eventually grows to love him.
Other main characters include Cogsworth, played by Nathan Heverin, Lumiere, played by Colton Mann, and Chip, played by Sean Ammon.
Tickets for "Beauty and the Beast" may be purchased by calling 717-768-5510, ext. 5509, or by emailing Lori_Aleardi@pequeavalley.org. Tickets will be discounted for students and senior citizens.
Leave a Review