THE Carillon Theatrical Society’s production of Beauty and the Beast, which opens on Friday, looks set to build on last year’s enormously successful production of The Wizard of Oz.
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Director Leonie Freeth said she has tried to keep the production true to Disney because it was such a beautiful story.
The show has magnificent costumes, a lovely score and some incredible performances.
“Our leads are fantastic – just wonderful,” Ms Freeth said.
Belle will be played by 19-year-old Niemah Hope, a former All Saints’ student who has completed her diploma in musical theatre.
Ms Freeth said she believes people will get a lot from Niemah’s performance.
“The chorus cries when they hear her sing – and I thought it was just me,” she said.
“We are extremely lucky to have her. She is the epitome of Belle – a beautiful person on the inside and the outside.”
Talented Liam Auhl, also 19, plays both the Beast and the Prince. Liam was this year’s winner of the 2BS Youth Arts Award. At 15, he began taking singing lessons at the Mitchell Conservatorium with teacher Jonathan Lewis
Ms Freeth said Kaine Van Gemert delights as the chauvinistic Gaston, George Sargent makes a fine Chip, and theatre veteran Wane Howard steals the show as Lumiere – a part she said was made for him.
She said the 14 leads in the show were supported by a wonderful cast, chorus and dance chorus.
“With more than 100 performers, this will be the largest chorus on stage in Carillon history,” Ms Freeth said.
“They will be joined by a good strong orchestra under the direction of Wendy Byers.”
She said the costumes, many of which were designed and made by Juliette Van Emerik, assisted by Kellie Dunbar, were just incredible.
The choreography has been carried out by Janelle Eastment.
“Beauty and the Beast is a musical for all ages,” Ms Freeth said.
“It’s a beautiful, traditional story with a wonderful score written by Alan Menken.
“He has written a few soundtracks and this is a particularly lovely one.
“The audience will go through the whole range of emotions.”
Beauty and the Beast will open at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre tonight at 7pm.
There will be a matinee performance at 2pm on Saturday and an evening performance at 7pm.
Next week, there will be evening performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7pm, as well as a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.