“’Beauty and the Beast’ is a piece that everyone can connect to. We wanted to make it a family show and really bring the families into the theatre,” said Musical Director Brian Nabors.
The Shelby High School Performing Arts Center will host “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” December 6-8. This is the first production to be held in the new performing arts center at the high school.
“It is a great facility, but there has been a learning curve because we have all had to get used to the new technology because this facility is nothing like the previous one we were in,” said Nabors.
Student Director Landon Holbrook is jumping into his role for the first time.
“This is my first time being a student director. I have worked in previous plays as a stage manager, but there really isn’t much of a difference in the roles. It is a little stressful at times, but I love working with the cast and everyone that is a part of this. This production is a lot bigger than the others and we are all excited about the new stage,” said Holbrook.
Nabors revealed that the set was designed by Colton Ackerman. “I had worked with Colton through a number of productions and he had created some ideas for the set. When people see the props for this show, they will just be amazed,” said Nabors.
“The students worked really hard making sure the set was just right and I believe we are ready to go,” Holbrook added.
Dauphne Maloney is the director of the production. Maloney was the theatre director at the Mansfield Playhouse for 20 years. “I have worked with Mr. Nabors for quite a while. We first met about 17 years ago and ever since then we try to work together as much as we can. I really enjoy the way that he and I work together,” said Maloney.
Maloney praised the cast of the production.
“I feel great about this cast. They are all doing so well and have grown so much throughout this production. They have all risen to the occasion very well and work great together. I have seen so much growth in Chris Roermose as the Beast. When he came in and auditioned we all looked at each other and thought he had a great voice. It was so exciting for all of us. Chris is very humble and his modesty is very charming,” said Maloney.
Nabors noted that the costumes for the show come from many different places. “We have gotten the costumes for this production from Kuhn Costume Rental, The Renaissance Theatre, and Ohio State University-Mansfield. It has been a wild time so far,” said Nabors.
Not only is the set ready for the show, but the actors are prepared for their debut in the new performing arts center. In this production, there will be two “Belle” characters that have been casted for the show. On Friday night and Saturday afternoon senior Sarah Musick will take the stage and on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon senior Madison Wagner will take the lead.
Musick is making her debut in her first lead role. “This is my first big role that I have been casted in. I am really excited about this because “Beauty and the Beast” is my favorite Disney movie. I actually decided to try out for all the roles and it is just so exciting that I got cast as Belle and for opening night,” said Musick.
Musick shared that she is nervous about opening night, but has been hard at work for her debut. “I am extremely nervous and it can be stressful because there are a lot of lines to remember, but I have been practicing the songs a lot. I am just thrilled that I get to be a part of this and it will be a memorable experience,” said Musick.
Unlike Musick, Wagner is a veteran on the stage. “I have been in more shows than I can even count. I am not really all that nervous because I am more excited. I am looking forward to seeing all the little girls in the audience as they watch this performance and I am really happy that I get to share this with my best friend Sarah Musick,” said Wagner.
Wagner praised the crew that has been a part of creating this production. “I just love the costumes and we have a new stage to work with. It is just a different atmosphere than previous shows and the crew has worked so well together being hand in hand with the cast. I can’t wait for the performance,” said Wagner.
The Beast will be played by foreign exchange student Chris Roermose from Denmark. Roermose was approached by Nabors about the role as the “Beast.”
“Mr. Nabors actually suggested to me about trying out for the role. I rehearsed about two hours before trying out and I got the part,” said Roermose.
Roermose worked in a production while in Denmark. “I did a play in Denmark about the ancient Greeks and I really enjoyed it. I love acting and the crew that we have been working with has been wonderful,” said Roermose.
Roermose revealed that the language barrier has been challenging at times. “The language has been a little challenging, but we have worked through it. I am a little nervous, but Mr. Nabors has been so good throughout this and we have really been taking it step by step,” said Roermose.
Opening night of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” is Friday, Dec. 6. From 6-7:15 p.m, there will be a “Meet the Cast” for refreshments; and at 7:30 p.m. the evening show will begin.
On Saturday, the show will be held at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon, the show begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are on sale now and prices include $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $5 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the high school or call 419-342-6580, option 5.
All performances will take place in the new Shelby High School Performing Arts Center located at 1 Whippet Way.
“I love working with the cast and everyone that is a part of this. This production is a lot bigger than the others and we are all excited about the new stage,” said Student Director Landon Holbrook.
