CHENEY — The high school music department presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on May 19, 20, and 25 at the school auditorium.
With just two weeks of preparation and rehearsal time, the music department was able to contruct the stages, select actors (some of whom were choir transplants) and perform a dry-run of the entire play before showtime on May 19.
Trace Ferguson, a senior who plays Gaston, said that he was excited for this performance, and that the short period of preparation time didn’t phase him.
“I was happy about it, but it was an insane crunch given the time. We had some rehearsals shortly before, and it was certainly daunting, but this is such a fun character to play,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson said that Beauty and the Beast is not your classic “good versus evil” story, and that everyone is struggling with something.
“All the characters are people, and they’re making what choices seem right to them,” Ferguson said.
Denise Raymond, a senior this year who plays Belle, said she was excited to play her first lead role.
“Doing the actual Broadway version of this play is very exciting. I am majoring in musical performance, and this year has involved a lot of reaching out to professionals and academics in the field, so I hope to keep music a part of my life,” Raymond said.
Sydney Lincoln, a junior this year playing Mrs. Potts, has always had a passion for theater, and said that she takes any chance she gets to perform or involve herself in the theater.
“I pushed really hard for this play. In fact, Angela Lansbury, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the movie, passed away this last year, and she is my absolute idol. I will do anything to be like her, so if I can do something in memory of her, I will,” Lincoln said.
Laci Fisher, a sophomore playing Chip, said that the high energy of the character Chip brings a balance to the ups and downs of the play’s story.
“Performing brings such a positive connection with people around you in a way that many people don’t get to experience,” Fisher said.
The music department actors were sometimes in the theater rehearsing until 8 or 9 p.m. working to perfect their roles and develop their on-stage rapport.
“Even through the stress I think that this will be worth it. The cast brings this together and I really hope that the community enjoys what we are bringing to this performance,” Fisher said.
Cast List:
Belle: Denise Raymond
The Beast: Kadence Adams
Gaston: Trace Ferguson
Lefou: Maya Raymond
Lumiere: Braeden Marver
Cogsworth: Tyler Flock
Maurice: Jason Hatfield
Mrs. Potts: Sydney Lincoln
Babette: Lillian Fawbush
Madame de la Grande Bouche: Aaliyah Richards
Chip: Laci Fisher
Les Filles la Ville & Marie: Olivia Henderson, Lydia Swenson, Alex Swen
Baker: Robert Littleson & Tasia Dunlap
Milkmaid: Savanah Erikson
Narrator: Myriam Rivera Perez
Young Prince: Jericho Ryan
Monsieur d’Arque: Colbie Monter
Old Beggar Woman: Colbie Monter
Wolves: Santana Ramirez, Maggie Poole, Dunkan Goodwin, Maddie Isbell
Tavern Master: Nev Maupin
Shepherd: Nev Maupin
Flower Seller: Kyra Gaard
Sausage Curl Lady: Serena Kienel
Candle Maker/Laundry Lady: Myriam Rivera Perez
Hat Seller: Bonnie Porrit
Bookseller: Own Barry
Crony: Reece Higby
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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