Winslow High School opens their doors to the classic tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast!
“Beauty and the Beast” is a beloved musical originating from the 1991 Disney animated film under the same title, both based on the fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villenueve . The musical made its premiere on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on April 18, 1994, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Tim Rice and Howard Ashman. The tale follows Belle, a beautiful young woman, and the Beast, a prince cursed to live as a monstrous creature until he learns both to love and be loved. As they both venture in their conflicting journey, they discover that true beauty lies within. Through enchanting scores and complex characters, the musical explores the power of love to overcome, compassion, and most importantly, inner beauty.
The musical is a captivating spectacle, drawing audiences into its enchanting world from the very first moment. The immersive opening, with the narrator telling the tale, seamlessly transitioning into a lively ensemble welcoming us to the bustling town. The diverse choreography and captivating performances served as the core of this magical journey, transporting spectators into the heart of the fairytale. With each member of the cast and crew pouring their passion and dedication into the production, they were able to deliver an unforgettable and thoroughly entertaining journey for all who attended.
Alyvia Janicki, playing Belle, captivated the audience from the moment she stepped onto the stage! Effortlessly embodying the character's mannerisms and expressions. As for Jayden Osei-Miller, who played the prince turned Beast, his performance was equally as mesmerizing! His performance of "If I Can't Love Her" was truly a standout moment, showcasing his powerful vocals and emotional depth. Moreover, the chemistry between Osei-Miller's Beast and Janicki's Belle was a greatly
captivating dynamic that truly resonated with the audience and brought the timeless tale to life in a way that was truly enchanting.
Giovanni Vera's portrayal of Gaston left a mesmerizing impression, commanding the stage with his powerful vocals and precise embodiment of Gaston's arrogant yet charismatic persona. His performance captivated the audience, staying true to the character's essence while adding his own, new flair. Then, Shilo Garnett, in the role of Mrs. Potts, emitted immense stage presence, effortlessly drawing the audience into her performance. Her rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" was beautifully delivered, leaving the audience enamored with her voice. Together, Vera and Garnett added depth and magic to the production, contributing to its overall brilliance.
Winslow's technical team truly elevated the production with their outstanding work behind the scenes. They were able to flawlessly capture the essence of each moment and amplify the emotions portrayed by the characters. From subtle shifts in hue to dramatic spotlights, every lighting choice was impeccably executed, deeply enriching the audience's connection to the story. Furthermore, their attention to detail in setting up the stage and coordinating technical elements ensured that every set was brought to life with immersive lighting, transporting the audience into the world of fairytale.
In conclusion, Winslow's rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" was nothing short of magical. Hats off to the cast and crew for a truly unforgettable production, and kudos to all involved in this beastly good show!