The Marist Theatre Guild prepares to dazzle and wow audiences as the spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast” hits the stage March 21-23 at Morgan Park Academy.
Tickets are still available, but they are selling fast. The cost is $5 for students and $10 for adults. They can be purchased in the Arc.
Directors Mrs. Vail and Mrs. Kelly announced the grand news early January inviting all students interested to come out and showcase their talents.
“I don’t think I have ever screamed louder when I found out that this was going to be our musical,” said choreographer and performer Matt Harmon.
Auditions took place January 17 and 18 along with callbacks. Students sang a song of their choice, ran lines, and learned choreography from Harmon.
“It is so much fun to see the dances come to life on stage and it’s not just me alone in my basement,” said Harmon. “I think it has served as such a creative outlet for me and I’m so thankful.”
Not only is Harmon the choreographer, but will star as Lumier, a charming, suave candelabra.
“I think it is such a fun role,” said Harmon. “And who doesn’t love a French accent?”
Harmon is not the only student helping out.
Addison McBride, who will star as Madame De La Grande Bouche, also known as the Wardrobe, has offered to handcraft each lead costume with the help of her talented mother. Each costume is measured according to the student and will
arrive Friday, March 1.
The cast list hit the bulletin board located outside of the RedHawk Theatre on the morning of January 19. Students scanned for their names and skipped to their classes as pure joy and excitement welled up inside them.
“I feel like I’m on top of the world,” said Jefferie Coleman who was given the role of the Beast. “I’m ready to be the star of the show.”
Students who landed ensemble roles even felt elated.
“I love being a specialty dancer,” said Callie Riley. “I’m not restricted… you get a little bit of everything, singing, acting, and dancing!”
After receiving roles, the young actors and actresses of Marist dive deep down into the character and themselves. Students prepare to showcase their inner mother or evil stepmother.
“Despite being a teapot she continues to just try and push through while also looking after everyone,” said Emma Riley. “Mrs. Potts reminds me a lot of my previous role as Mrs. Gheller in the fall play.”
“I’ve never been mean for fun,” said Kevin Curley, who received the role of Gaston. “I am very excited though.Who doesn’t want to be the evil, riot leading madman?”
Rehearsals normally run from 3-5 p.m. where cast members dance, sing, act- sometimes all at once. Sweat, footmarks, and crushed limit line the floors of the stage as each student heads home ready to take on the challenge again tomorrow.
“I think this is the most I’ve sweated, ever, and that’s concerning,” said ensemble member Maeve Farrell. “I don’t like dancing, but with my friends, I do.”
Week after week, cast members grow closer together both physically, through lifts and twists, and mentally, when those around you need that extra boost.
Family is a common theme in theater that many overlook, but when audiences pay close attention it’s apparent it has been there all along. Without that feeling of comfort, there is no show.
“The cast is getting along really well,” said Callie Riley. “ The chemistry all of us have is just going to make the show better.”
As opening night approaches, the experience is coming to a close. Members of the cast and crew look back on all the laughs, several dance numbers, and connections made along the way. Unfortunately not everyone will stay. Seniors will bow for the last time and head into the future to pursue bigger and better things outside of RedHawk High.
“I have always had the most interesting, entertaining, and loving experiences in Marist theater,” said senior Kathleen Godsel. “Marist theater has helped me grow into who I am today and I am so glad I am able to share every show experience with everyone in the Marist theater family.”
