Beauty and The Beast Comes to Lowell High School

Harper Postema takes on the role of Gaston, and he says that, “Even though a lot of stress comes with this role, it’s a lot of fun! I get to do some great comedy bits in the show, and the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone - singing, dancing, and portraying a character, who is the polar opposite of myself, onstage - is very fulfilling.”

By Cali Janowiak || LHS sophomore

Published in the 2/21 Ledger

The sensational Disney movie, Beauty and The Beast, is a classic tale about a prince who gets turned into a beast and later falls in love with the beautiful Belle. The Lowell High School theater department is putting on a musical production of the tale this March. 

The musical performances are: March 1, 2, 8 and 9, at 7 pm, and March 3, at 2 pm.

Better hurry folks because ticket sales are flying through the roof, as fast as a cheetah, and you don’t want to miss this spectacular performance! You can get tickets, $15 for reserved seating, at www.showtix4u.com/events/lpac. 

The two leads in the show are Ania Fleszar as Belle and Hayden Gough as Beast.

Beast is fur-covered so the costume must be hot for poor Hayden, but he loves the role. He says that, “The best part about playing the Beast is getting to try out different voices and facial expressions. I’ve had a lot of fun messing around with the transition from his angry looks and gruff, low voice to his nervous, excited, but gentle demeanor.” Gough may seem familiar, as he played Mr. Wormword in Matilda, the LHS musical from last year. Gough also has much more theater experience, being involved in the theater department for four years, and playing theatre with his brother, years before that. The audience should definitely look forward to what Hayden has in mind for the role of Beast. 

The antagonist of the musical is Gaston, who has unrequited love for Belle and a burning hatred for Beast, when Belle chooses him instead. Gaston’s personality traits are arrogant, chauvinistic and narcissistic. Harper Postema takes on the role of Gaston, and he says that, “Even though a lot of stress comes with this role, it’s a lot of fun! I get to do some great comedy bits in the show, and the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone - singing, dancing, and portraying a character, who is the polar opposite of myself, onstage - is very fulfilling.” Postema’s castmates say that he’s a joy to be around and agree that he is the polar opposite of the self-centered Gaston. Postema encourages everyone to come and see the show. 

Now, the show is far more vast than what your eyes see. The backstage crew of the musical work incredibly hard to set the scene for the actors. Stage Manager, Matilyn Vogel, says that, “Everyone is very excited about this show! It is an incredible show and our biggest one yet. Because Beauty and the Beast, is a Disney show, there are a lot of props to be made and found; it has more props than most shows.” The crew certainly does have a lot of meticulous and impressive props to get ready, and they’ll certainly draw the audience’s eyes. As Stage Manager, Vogel has to cue-in people and works alongside Holly Fountaine, behind the scenes, to make the show come together perfectly for the audience. 

The choreography for the musical must be intricate and fun while it correlates with the music and storyline. Former LHS student, Kennedi Weed, helps choreograph the dances for the musical and has 17 years of dancing experience along with six years of working with the LHS theatre department. Weed says that we can expect the choreography to have “...awesome visuals with amazing kids! These dancers take a lot of hard work and determination. I like to make it challenging for them, so they have goals to work towards and be proud of themselves.” The choreography may be the more challenging to remember than the actual lines, and it adds a little extra pizzazz to the entire show.  

It’s sure to be a great show that everyone should come and see. The actors and behind the scenes crew have worked their tails off to bring Beauty and the Beast to the public. Get your tickets before they’re gone and come enjoy the spectacular event of the year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!

If you would like to learn even more about the LHS musical and school events then head on over to The Ledger’s website, www.lowellledger.org and click on podcasts to hear Justin Scott interview members of the musical and many more school icons.