If you didn’t know already, the high school musical this year is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. For many of us, it’s a story we grew up with and sang along to.  For me it’s my absolute favorite Disney film and I’m excited to be doing it my senior year. But maybe some of you aren’t quite familiar with the story or where it began, so here’s some history of this beloved tale.

The very first published book of Beauty and the Beast was published by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740; and was later adapted into several other versions of the story, even to this day. The movie Beastly that was released in 2011, and was based on the 2007 novel of a present day telling of the story.

In 1991, Disney had the grand idea to make Beauty and the Beast their own. This is a story of a selfish and shallow prince who looked only on the outward appearance. When he turned someone away from his home because of their looks, a spell fell upon him and those in it. It turned them into enchanted objects such as a sweet and motherly teapot, a French speaking candelabra, a pompous clock and a beast.  Then comes along a girl named Belle, who desires a bigger life than what she knows with her crazy, inventor father.

Throughout the story the antagonist/bad guy wants to marry Belle and will do anything to get her. Later when Belle takes her father’s place as a prisoner at the Beasts’ castle, she feels that all of her dreams and ambitions are over. Throughout the story a change begins to happen between the Beast and Belle and they begin to see each other for the beauty within. To get the rest of the story you’ll have to watch the movie or even better come see the High School production this month

With the gifted genius of the Disney team, such as Alan Menken who wrote the beautiful melodies and Howard Ashman who wrote the lyrics and co-produced the film, the musical was born. Unfortunately before the movie premiered Ashman passed away. But the brilliance he left behind gave so many ideas to the rest of the team.

Obviously there were many differences between the animated film and the musical so changes needed to be made. First of all the movie is only around 90 minutes and the musical is about 2 hours. So to add to it, more background story was added and seven new songs were written. The costumes made for the show had to look realistic but also animated. The list is endless as to how much was put into a show of this magnitude.

This is a truly magical story, “a tale as old as time”, if you will. Parents, students and teachers have poured themselves into this project and we cannot wait to blow everyone’s minds! So please “Be Our Guest” Friday March 21st at 7:30pm and Saturday March 22nd at 2pm and 7:30pm.

Cast:

Beast: Junior Brandon Hall (Prince Adam…bet you didn’t know that’s his actual name!)

Belle: Senior Kaylee Walker (Heroine)

Gaston: Senior Dan Sears (Bad Guy)

Lefou: Junior James Sheehan (Gaston’s Sidekick)

Maurice: Freshmen Connor VanEpps (Belles Father)

Lumiere: Senior Zak Marshall (Enchanted Candelabra)

Cogsworth: Sophomore Jada Sterling (Enchanted Clock)

Mrs. Potts: Senior Rebekah Barbaglia (Enchanted Tea Pot)

Chip: Freshmen Lauren Cuipylo (Mrs. Potts Son and Enchanted Teacup)

Babette: Junior Kierstin Davis (Enchanted Feather Duster)

Madame De La Grande Bouche: Senior Ashley Nemier (Enchanted Opera Diva Wardrobe)

Silly Girls: Senior Shannon Griffin, Junior Maddie Ouderkirk, and Freshmen Francie Motto (Gaston obsessors)

Monsieur D’arque: Freshmen Drake Butler (Leader of the asylum, the Maison De Lunes)