BEAUTY and the Beast’, a musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice is St Comhghall’s College’s Lisnaskea choice for winter entertainment.
Its four-night run started last night (Tuesday) and ends this Friday. Doors open at 7.30pm, and curtain-up is at 8pm.
For the last six weeks, the 50-strong cast, along with the backroom staff, have been hard at work under the supervision of Suzie Quinn (producer) bringing to life a heart-warming (if cruel beginning) the enchanting tale based on a French fairytale.
Based on the 1991 film of the same name, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ tells the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel and selfish ways, and an adventurous young woman named Belle whom he imprisons in his castle.
In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle’s love before it’s too late.
Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that ‘Beauty’ ran on Broadway for 5,461 performances (between 1994 and 2007), and grossing more than $1.4 billion worldwide.
It has played in 13 countries and has become a popular choice for high school productions, such as St Comhghall’s.
The part of Belle is played by Rose Connolly, ‘The Beast’ by Shakeen Adams, the ‘Prince’ by James Toye, ‘Barbette’ by Emma Cunningham, Lumiere by Adam Tierney, Cogsworth by Caitlin Curran, and Mrs Potts and Chip by Sinead McAloon and Chelsea Corrigan respectively.
Following a final dress rehearsal on Sunday, it was a case of ‘well done’ all round.
“It looked really well and they have made it hilarious in their right”, one observer noted. “Everything is looking good.”
Such is the producer’s attention to detail that she has enlisted every department in the school to ensure a quality production.
For instance, the ICT team had their final run through on Monday night to make sure there was nothing amiss at the sound and lighting end.
As already noted, the four-night run began last night and it continues tonight, tomorrow and Friday nights, doors opening at 7.30pm for curtain-up at 8pm.
Admission is £10 for adults and £6 for children.