On Wednesday, April 20; Thursday, April 21; and Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m., and also on Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m., students at West Genesee High School will perform the magical Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast.”
An adaptation of the popular 1991 animated film, the musical tells the story of a selfish young prince who is transformed into a hideous Beast (Aidan Sperduti) and is forced to remain that way until he learns to love another and be loved in return. When the Beast imprisons Maurice (Paul Diem), an old inventor, his kindhearted daughter with a thirst for adventure offers herself in return for his freedom.
The young woman, Belle (played by both Heidi Walsh and Olivia Frizzi), finds herself sad and alone in the cold, dark castle where she is soon welcomed by the Beast’s servants, who are slowly transforming into enchanted objects. Cogsworth, (Grant Mathews) a tightly-wound clock, Lumiere (Sean Alvaro), a Casanova-like candlestick; and the bubbly teapot Mrs. Potts (Julia Biggs) and her teacup son Chip (Joseph Paoli) conspire to help the two fall in love.
Back in their village, Maurice seeks the help from the villagers, who all think his story about the Beast is crazy. However, Gaston (Zachary Barstow), one of the villagers intent on marrying Belle, and his incompetent sidekick Lefou (Daniel Alvaro) see this as an opportunity to win Belle’s hand in marriage.
Sophia Patriarco (Babette), Logan Battaglia, Margaret Mello, and Emily Naughton (Silly Girls), Maura Hennessy (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Caleb Williams (Monsieur d’Arque), and sixty other talented students round out the cast.
The musical is directed by Kristyn Sperduti, produced by Andrea Scerbo, and is choreographed by Bradley Benjamin Stone. Anthony Alvaro is music director, William Mercer, Jr., is the lighting director, Donald Schuessler is technical director, and Corey Hobin, sound director. Costumed by Cindy Kissane, rental pieces provided and designed by CNY Costumes. Brenna Francisco is interning as student director.
All seating is reserved. Ticket information will be posted in the near future on the district’s website.
