Steven Hill
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Will the ravishing Belle save the brutish Beast from his curse? Can she teach him to love before it is too late? Will a bunch of local high school actors get a passing grade in a theatre course?
These and other questions will be answered May 4 to 6 and May 11 to 13, as Howe Sound Secondary School (HSSS) presents a stage version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
"The kids have been working on this since early November," said Michael Hewitt, technical director for the production. "It is a great show for all ages. Everyone knows it very well. It is good family fun."
Along with being fun for all ages, the show is part of a HSSS theatre program.
"There is a Musical Theatre program every two years at Howe Sound Secondary," he said. "For the program, they choose a show and go through the whole process of putting it together, and the kids are graded on their acting ability as well as their volunteer time for painting sets and making costumes."
Hewitt said the credit course production is based on the hit Disney cartoon movie of the same name, and the Broadway adaptation, which won a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1994.
"There is a bit more song and dance than in the movie, as well as a few songs you would not find in the movie," he said. "All the original movie songs are in there, although some have been modified to fit the stage environment."
The HSSS production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast is directed by Janice Carroll, with musical direction from Fran Booth, choreography by Ryan Mooney and stage management by Whitney Franklin.
But Hewitt also credits the tireless efforts of teachers and parents with getting the show off the ground.
"We have a bunch of parents and teachers doing the sewing for the costumes, and they look great - right out of the movie," he said. "We also have a father of one of the actors who made a large part of the set. This community is just great at supporting the arts."
The HSSS production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs May 4 to 5 and May 11 to 13 at the Eagle Eye Theatre. Shows Thursday through Saturday weekly at 7:30 p.m., with special matinee performances on Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for students and adults with discounts for children and seniors. Contact HSSS at 604-892-5261 to purchase box office tickets or head to Billie's Bouquet.
