Oak Hill High School Little Theatre in the Woods to present “Beauty and the Beast” Jan. 20-22 at the Wales school. From left are Destiney Samare as “Belle” and Memphis Murphy as “The Beast.” Submitted photo
Oak Hill High School’s drama club will present the Broadway classic, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” on stage beginning on Friday, Jan. 20, the Little Theatre in the Woods at Oak Hill High School in Wales.
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version, an international sensation produced in 37 countries, includes the songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The classic story tells of Belle (played by Destiney Samare), a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast (played by Memphis Murphy), 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 into 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.
Other characters include Gaston, played by Dylan McFarland, Lumiere played by Nathan Fournier, Cogsworth played by Joshua Bonner, Lefou played by Samuel Bonner, Mrs. Potts played by Marcus Gallagher, Babette played by Aspen Gauthier, Madame de la Grande Bouche played by Sarah Rossignol, Maurice played by Ed Zuis, and Chip, played by Simon Golob. The ensemble includes Jocelyn David, Kiana Moran, Madison Bussiere, Charlotte Guilford, Kaitlyn Daisey, Julianna Langlois, Amanda Williams, Marissa Smith, Olivia Gallagher, Sierra Pennell, Jude Lafata, Connor Robinson, Addison Lilly, Gabrielle Greenwood, and Robin Babbidge. The show is directed by Lucy Rioux with musical direction provided by Gary Fuller. Technical direction is provided by David Maher, costuming by Lyn Swan, choreography by Emily Sue Barker, and rehearsal accompanist, John Neal.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, and Saturday, Jan. 21; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. Admission costs are $5 for students and $10 for general admission sold before each performance. For more information, contact Lucy Rioux at 207-441-3210 or lucyrioux@gmail.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
