Staff and students at Lumen Christi Catholic College are excited to present their production of the much-loved Disney musical Beauty and the Beast over three big nights from July 20 to July 22.
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The production is the fruit of months of hard work, with daily lunchtime and after-school rehearsals becoming the norm for those involved.
Director, Emma Hibbert said it was the sixth biennial musical she had produced with teachers Joe Fragnito and Cindy Dibley, but hoped it would be the best one yet.
“It’s obviously a huge amount of work but we think it is worth it to combine the skills of the music and drama departments,” Ms Hibbert said.
“Each time we try to choose something slightly more ambitious and well-known. This year we chose Beauty and the Beast because I was drawn to the classic timeless story and I knew there was the Emma Watson version coming out and thought it would inspire the students.”
However, Declan Simonson who will be playing the Beast, said he is yet to see the latest movie and has never seen the 1991 cartoon version – something his fellow cast members said they would endeavour to change over the school holidays.
Ms Hibbert said she was particularly proud to students like Declan get involved with the musical.
“It just goes to show that these musicals give our students a chance to step outside comfort zones, Declan known for his skills on the football field, so it’s nice nice that he can step out of that role and step on to the stage.”
The students will be performing for the school and the community on the first week of Term 3, something that Jasmine Carmody-Burton, who will play the part of Belle, said is both exciting and nerve wracking.
“I have never done anything like this before,” Jasmine said.
“I’m nervous for the performance but also excited because I love the musical and I love my part and the songs I get to sing.”
Anna Newman, who is playing the part of Chip, said it has been amazing to see the musical come together and she can’t wait to perform it to the community.
“We were unsure of how it would all work, after watching the cartoon it was hard to imagine how we would bring the characters, especially the furniture, Chip and Mrs Potts to life,” Anna said.
The actors will be supported by a talented live orchestra of students and local professional musicians, led by musical director and teacher Mr Fragnito. Ms Hibbert said the orchestra will help to create a really magical musical experience.
More than 1000 tickets have already been sold but there are still some available by searching LCCC Beauty and the Beast on www.trybooking.com.