LHS Musical Beauty and the Beast Opens at the Lowell Performing Arts Center

By Justin Scott || contributing writer

3/5/2024 - Featured in this Week’s Ledger - Get Your Copy Now!

In front of a sold out crowd, the Lowell High School musical Beauty and the Beast dazzled on Friday night as the opening weekend was a roaring success for the production. Under the direction of Amanita Fahrni, this year’s musical featured a two story set, hard working cast and crew, and plenty of talent.

Set in the 18th-century Eastern region of Alsace, France, Beauty and the Beast is a well known story. An arrogant prince is cursed to live as a beast until he can find true love and have it reciprocated. After Maurice, a clockmaker, comes into his castle and is held prisoner, his place gets taken by his daughter Belle. Aided by the also enchanted servants of the castle, Belle and the Beast slowly begin to fall in love, but must contend with Belle's suitor Gaston and the riled up townspeople.

The musical featured 32 members on crew and 35 performers, including Ania Fleszar who plays the lead role of Belle.

“The opening night was absolutely spectacular.  Not only was our energy as a cast and crew high, but we had a very engaging audience.  I really couldn't ask for a better group to do this show with.  I look forward to our future performances,” Fleszar told the Ledger following opening night.

Fleszar plays alongside real life friend Hayden Gough, who plays the part of Beast. The two’s chemistry on screen is abundant from the start. While the two play more serious roles they are surrounded by comedic relief, including Max Wasilew who plays the role of Lumiere. Lumiere and his buddy Cogsworth (Conner Cesarez) are best friends and often play off eachother. They are paired with Mrs. Potts (Faith VanDuinen) and her son Chip (Elyse Veldman) in many scenes that take place in the castle.

"It was nerve wracking but we pushed through and performed so well. This production is most definitely one of the most talented casts we’ve ever had ath LHS. Each person continues to blow me away with how well they can dance, act, and especially sing," said Wasilew following the performance.

A near three-hour performance, attendees certainly got their money's worth listening to our local students sing, dance, and act out the Disney classic we all know and love.

Set designers and constructors Gavin DeKam, Rob Fahrni, Denise Beimers, and Linne Bunn certainly had their work cut out for the, The set which included a two-story grand staircase was a great backdrop for the show. Other high level roles for the show were assistant director Heidi Kold, technical director Julia "Jules" Crawford, choreographer Anna Mainero, pit director Tim Haan, and vocal director Nathan Masterson. 

While Fleszar and Gough the two lead roles stole the show most deservedly, all of the 67 cast, crew, in addition to roles like pit orchestra and staff played an integral role in making this year’s musical a success. Like freshman Rowen Creasy, one of the two spotlight operators making sure his fellow cast members were the center of attention, and doubling as an usher before the show. Junior Jacob Mitchell on crew helping direct and move props around. Sophomore Emerson Vriesman who ran sound, executing a flawless performance. Just one of the many individual spotlights that could be made of individuals who weren’t on stage performing.

Beast of course would seem to initially be the musical’s antagonist, but that role belongs to Belle’s suitor Gaston who has a high opinion of himself, a role LHS theatre veteran Harper Postema played up to perfection, chugging down (fake) beers in the tavern, flexing his muscles, while the ensemble oohed and aahed around him. Local business Station Salon came in to do hair for the actors adding the finishing touches to the costume design from Melissa Casarez.

"Opening night was everything I dreamed of and more! This cast and crew have brought the Disney magic alive on our stage in Lowell, Michigan. No need to travel to Orlando," said Director Amanita Fahrni following the performance.

There are still two performances left to see the show. The Ledger was on hand for a full photo album, you can see those pictures, podcasts, and get tickets at lowellledger.org/musical