Photos courtesy of Brenna Kamppi

 

Arlington High School's drama department has built a well-deserved reputation for mounting exceptional musical theatre productions, taking full advantage of the top-notch amenities at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center, and this spring the students and staff will delight the community with the lavish story of "Beauty and the Beast."

The show features sets and costumes obtained from a professional stage company, along with a variety of challenging special effects. The musical score, which has delighted several generations who know the Disney animated version of the movie, will be sung by a talented group of students under the direction of Brent McGee, the newest addition to the AHS arts program.

"Working with Brent McGee is an incredible experience," said drama teacher Scott Moberly. "He is extremely positive and brings a great energy to every rehearsal."

"Mr. Moberly and Mr. McGee really click together," added senior Josiah Miller, who has a lead role as The Beast. "They both have very high expectations for this show, and their vision for the production is so consistent that rehearsals are not only fun, we are also learning every day."

Quality productions and challenging students to really learn the craft of theater are the focus of all Moberly's productions.

"We've set the bar pretty high for our musicals," said Moberly. "The community has come to expect something far above the average high school production, and I'm confident they won't be disappointed this year. The cast has a large number of seniors with many years of both musical and Jazzmine credits on their resumes."

Jazzmine, for the uninitiated, is Arlington High School's premiere vocal performance ensemble. Under the leadership of Lyle Forde, who recently retired, Jazzmine students have successfully competed in dozens of statewide festivals and entertained many locals with "Glee"-like productions here at home.

Joining senior Josiah Miller is junior Bailey Hudson in the role of Belle. Rounding out the show's leads are seniors Justin O'Hara as Gaston, Austin McFadden as Lumiere, Nathan Haskew as Cogsworth, Andrew Clark as Maurice, Kelsey Ghirardo as Madame Grand Bouche, and Lexi Lewis as Mrs. Potts.

An equally strong group of ensemble students complete the cast. Senior Megan Birdsong, concluding her fourth year as stage manager, commented, "I couldn't ask for a better way to end my years in the Drama Department. This musical is filled with all kinds of technical challenges, and we're going to nail every one!"

"Beauty and the Beast" will run Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., March 2, 3, 9 and 10, with a 1 p.m. matinee also on March 10, at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $8 for children, students, and seniors and $12 for adults, and may be purchased in advance at www.byrnesperformingarts.org.

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