Beauty and the Beast

For months, students, volunteer parents, and staff had worked hard at their craft, learning their parts, songs, and dances, building the set, sewing costumes for clocks and napkins. Finally, opening night was here, and the entire school community was in great anticipation. Even a four-legged member of our community dressed as Belle that morning.

This was the first time for Upper School to do Beauty and the Beast, the Broadway version. In past years, Middle Grades had performed the junior edition.

 I wasn't sure how the students would respond to the choice as we had never done a "fairy tale" musical with upper school, but they were very excited! Beauty and the Beast (Broadway version) is an incredible show with so many featured characters, depth in the storyline, beautiful music, comedy, a large chorus that enabled development of their skills in all of the disciplines, and quite a challenge in so many ways.

Musical Director, Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel

 

On Friday night, students, parents, staff, and the greater community gathered, and after a few opening words from the musical production's director, Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel, and a prayer by Upper School Principal, Mr. Michael Southwell, the fairy tale began. 

Students went from being shy and nervous in their auditions to confidently commanding the stage. 

These students are incredibly hardworking and dedicated.  They learned their lines ahead of schedule, worked on songs and dances inside and outside of rehearsals, challenged each other, and took instruction to heart. They worked on motivating their actions and reactions with purpose - whether shopping in the market, or singing a huge ballad alone on the stage.... a truly amazing group of talented kids who took risks and rose to the challenges laid out for them.

Musical Director, Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel 

 

Nash C. opened a delicately designed human-sized fairytale book, and as its characters came alive, he narrated the story of the young prince, played by Andrew K., and his seemingly unfortunate encounter with the Enchantress, played by Rian N. 

 

 

The story went on, featuring performances of beloved songs like "Belle," transporting us to Provence, France, and introducing the female lead. Chaerin H. truly embodied Beauty, exuding genuine elegance, warmth, and character. Gaston (Timothy M.) was quite convincingly the opposite, despite his amusing admirers, Les Filles de la Ville's (Joanne S., Ryan B., and Rosie Z) inability to see his flaws within. Le Fou ( Caleb S.) lived up to his name, too, and the townspeople (chorus) marvelously brought this magical world to life, much to everyone's delight.

 

 

Belle's father, Maurice, played by Jonathan F., and the inventive design of his invention, led us to the castle.  

 

 

There, clocks and candlesticks served up comic relief on a silver platter. 

 

 

Michael M. as Lumiere, Gavril V. as Cogsworth, Susanna M. as Madame de la Grand Buche, Annora K. as Babette, Miroslava T. as Mrs. Potts, and Westin E. as Chip brought heart and humor to the castle with their impeccable comedic timing, amusing accents, incredible costumes, warmth, playfulness, and a keen commitment to the dramatic. The iconic costumes and choreography of "Be Our Guest" truly awed its audience. 

 

 

A production of this size required many hands. From the parents and staff assisting the stage crew with set pieces, costumes, and props, to our amazing maintenance staff, Mr. László Fehlinger, Mr. Zoltán Pápai, and Mr. Ferenc Dóczy for preparing the facilities, and to Dani L. and the AV crew for serving throughout production week.

The musical was directed by Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel, with Ms. Heather Endicott serving as Assistant Director. Ms. Joanna Gallagher led choreography, Ms. Rachel Stowell oversaw costumes, and Ms. Kristen E. guided set artistic design. Stage managers Cassie D. and Zsuzsi M. helped keep the production moving behind the scenes, while many students and staff served on stage crew, costume crew, lighting, sound, AV, and spotlights.

 

 

It was an incredible amount of work - the set painting led by Kristen Ebsen and a crew of parents, teachers and students began the first week of rehearsals. The crew working to change the sets, costumes, props and more throughout the performances, The timing of lights, sound, special effects and more that Alex Konya made happen. The incredible choreography led by Joanna Gallegher. The parents who supported with set work, and snacks.  Rachel Stowell and crew working to make sure costumes were ready. So many hands and feet involved, and so many ways to see community at it's best played out. It is a true blessing to serve here at ICSB! Musical Director, Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel

Joseph D., who brought the troubled and terrifying beast to life, displayed great depth and diligence in his portrayal of the Beast's inner turmoil and transformation.

This story is one of transformation. The obvious one is the Beast being transformed into the Prince when he realizes what love really is. Belle's view of him transforms as she looks beyond outward appearance and sees the good inside of him. Gastons' transformation is also his heart being revealed - his selfishness, jealousy and ego transform him into a self destructive beast at the end.  

Musical Director, Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel

 

While Msr. D’Arque (Evan B.) and Gaston schemed, Belle sang of seeing “Something There” that she had not initially seen behind the frightening appearance of the Beast. As she showed him kindness, she not only taught him to read, but also how to love. Thus, with the fall of the last rose petal, true, selfless love broke the power of the curse that plagued his castle. Like all the best fairy tales, this story echoes the true story of love and kindness that leads to repentance, regeneration, and restoration. 

The Gospel is all about transformation. Transforming our broken relationship with God into one in which we call Him Father. Transforming our self righteousness into an understanding of our sinfulness. Transforming our despair and fear into joy and freedom to be who we were created to be through the gift of salvation through Christ.

Musical Director, Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel