Performers plan to marry multiple elements from many of the prior adaptations of the story that audiences may be familiar with.
The theater students at Cherokee High School are inviting one and all to “be our guest” with the school’s upcoming production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Starting May 18, locals can catch a show featuring familiar characters such as the beautiful and intelligent Belle, the cursed prince now known only as The Beast, the chauvinistic hunter Gaston, the charming candelabra Lumière, the cranky clock Cogsworth and many more.
Whether audiences are familiar with Disney’s animated and live action theatrical releases, the Broadway production, the original fairy tale or one of the story’s countless adaptations over the years, those behind the upcoming Cherokee production are hoping audiences can still get something new and unique from the show.
According to show director Joe Fisicaro Jr., Cherokee’s performers plan to marry multiple elements from many of the prior adaptations of the story that audiences may be familiar with.
“We’re keeping a lot of the cartoon’s spirit, but also keeping some the heavy aspects of the musical. We’d like to keep it as light-hearted as we can for kids, while showing all of the serious sides of the Broadway musical,” he said.
In describing the show, Fisicaro reflected on the nature of high school theatrical productions in general, noting how every school always seems to put its own imprint on a show.
“It’s going to be neat to be able to reveal our imprint, whether it’s by our lighting, character design, dance or our song — I think you could see this show about 1,000 times and see it about 1,000 different ways,” he said.
For senior Hannah Chiappine, now ready and set to play the role of Belle, she said the show would be unique due to how close cast members are with one another.
“We’re all so close and connected on and off stage, so it’s really a special experience for the audience and the cast members,” Chiappine said. “It’s magical.”
Echoing Chiappine about the unique nature of Cherokee’s production was junior Ryan Fanelli, who also holds one of the show’s titular roles as The Beast.
“I feel like when you have something that’s live on stage, there’s always a lot more energy,” Fanelli said. “You can just feel the electricity of the scene sitting in the sits here that you wouldn’t get in a movie theater.”
Senior Brandon Ashe, set to play the role of the villainous Gaston, took time to praise his fellow students for their hard work leading up to the show.
“It’s a great group of students and staff that really puts in their all to make sure everything goes together and is the best it can be,” Ashe said. “Everybody just does a great job or is working hard while enjoying themselves at the same time.”
Senior Jake Liguori, who will play Lumière, said his fellow students have done a good job to make all the show’s characters feel “big” and “prominent.”
“It’s cool to see the roles interpreted by different people … we have our own interpretations and style here and I just love seeing all the big scenes done in different ways,” Liguori said.
Cherokee High School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” debuts May 18 at 7 p.m. at Cherokee, with repeat performances also at 7 p.m. on May 19, May 25 and May 26.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance at www.cherokeedrama.orgor at the door before performances.
