‘Beauty and the Beast’ to light up Parkrose High School stage

Here’s why you should see this romantic stage production, debuting on November 13 …

Working out the blocking for their production of “Beauty and the Beast” – shown here in front of the chorus – are Parkrose High School junior Amanda Coalwell, who will play the maid; sophomore Felicia Seery, playing Beauty; senior Kenzie Billick-Smith, who will portray the witch; and senior Jackson Singleton, as The Beast’s man.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 presents a romantic play, to help get folks into the Holiday spirit.

On November 13, a cast of nearly 70 will premiere Beauty and the Beast.

No, this isn’t an adaptation of the 1991 Walt-Disney-produced musical animated film.

It is based on a fairy tale La Belle et la Bête by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont, first published in French in 1740, with a version in English in 1757.

“This adaptation is by Laurence Boswell,” explained the show’s producer and theater instructor, Ms. Zena. “Boswell adapted it for the Royal Shakespeare Company at the National Theatre in London, for their 2003 Holiday season. It was so popular, they repeated it for their Christmas season in 2004, with additions and slight variations to their original script.”

Zena said the students chose it because the work has “an incredibly romantic feel to it. It isn’t sappy, in the way little kids or adults won’t enjoy; it has a balance of romance and drama. And no, there is no teapot.”

Felicia Seery and Kenzie Billick-Smith get coaching from the show’s director, Ms. Zena.

The show provides a good challenge for the Parkrose High Theater students, Zena aid, because of variety of performances required in the show.

Will the main characters, Beauty and Beast, gain a better appreciation of their families?
Is it possible for Beauty to trust – with more than what she sees with her eyes?

Come find out, starting November 13th!

Opens Friday night
Opening night for Beauty and the Beast is Friday, November 13, continuing on the evenings of November 19 and 20, with a 7:00 p.m. curtain time (please come early to buy your tickets).

There is a special matinee performance on November 14 at 2:00 p.m. (no evening show on that date).

The price is right; cost of tickets at the door are: adults, $8; for those 18 & under, or 65+, $5. It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver Street, near NE 122nd Avenue.

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