MEAGAN CLEMENTS | staff writer

APU's adaptation of Disney's Beauty and the Beast draws theater-goers back to childhood with memorable characters and songs.

The stage sparkles with Broadway-quality singing, acting and dancing as Beauty and the Beast, a timeless classic, opened Sept. 28 in the APU Theatre.

“This play has an amazing ensemble both on and off stage; it’s definitely a family show,” freshman social work major and lighting director Stephanie Tatro said.

Director Brian Mercer feels that although certain elements have stood out in prior APU plays, Beauty and the Beast is the first to have multiple elements shine.

“I think this is by far the biggest undertaking we’ve ever done; it’s a massive scope,” Mercer said.

An 800 lb. castle which takes approximately 12 people to spin was only the icing on the cake. Costumes helped make the classic come alive and added to the play’s dramatic flair.

“My favorite part about Beauty and the Beast would have to be the costumes because they’re so elaborate and unique,” Foothill Middle School student Jessica Demasi said. Demasi, starring as Chip, has shared the stage with Mercer’s son in other theatrical performances.

With rehearsal time cut to four weeks instead of seven, the cast worked hard to pull it all together.

“It’s an intense experience. It’s a concentrated amount of time and making it work requires a lot of team effort,” junior cinema broadcast arts major Jeremy McDaniel said.

McDaniel, who is a part of the ensemble, plays several characters including a villager, a spoon and a ballroom dancer.

Sophomore music major Sam Kinsman, praised for his outstanding role as the Beast, agreed that rehearsals were intense. Despite how much fun he has had working with the cast, he admits he was nervous about taking on such a huge role.

“At first I was really scared and I kept asking myself, ‘can I do this?’ Everyone else really bolstered me and showed me that I can do this,” Kinsman said. “It’s been a challenge, but I’ve had a great time.”

Kinsman and senior theatre arts major Dana Tomasko who shines as the beautiful Belle, made the night memorable with their emotional vocal performances and polished acting.

A live, student orchestra performed the classic score adding a measure of magic to the play. Several wind instruments amidst a blend of piano chords stirred a myriad of emotions for the audience to experience the moment at hand — fear, sadness, curiosity and joy. The musical prowess of the student musicians was evident; they never overpowered the actors/actresses on stage but still provided momentum and closure to each scene.

The play was choreographed, and acted to perfection. From the flirty and playful Featherduster to the stubborn Cogsworth, there were plenty of laughs, wide-eyes and jaws dropping.

Gaston, played by senior theatre arts major Cory Krueger, and Lumiere, acted by senior cinema broadcast arts major Nick Estep stole the first half of the show, adding personality and pizzazz to the evening. In appreciation of Gaston’s leading role during act one, audience members offered accolades through premature applause.

The limelight was exciting for sophomore theatre arts major Matthew Olmstead who felt that starring as multiple characters brought alive a childhood memory.

“It’s nice to be a part of something that you’ve seen when you were a kid and make the magic come alive,” Olmstead said. “It’s exciting to take on the role of characters on different sides of the spectrum.

Beauty and the Beast is a thoroughly enjoyable play and as a result of cast members’ diligence and hard work, it is a must see for all ages.

“If they can see it, it’s worthwhile,” Mercer said. “The movie they knew when they were kids really comes to life.”