By JEFF EPSTEIN
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CHESTER, Vt. — The Green Mountain Union High School production of “Beauty & the Beast,” which runs April 4-6, is busy in rehearsals for what appears to be a strong production.
At a recent rehearsal, co-directors Cynthia Austin and Christine Saul ran the actors through musical numbers and dances. Austin played the piano while Saul watched the action. Choreographer Ashley Hensel-Browning had previously worked out the moves.
Cast members sang the tunes as they energetically ran and danced from one place to another. Although the show was still weeks away, nobody was holding a script. They were beyond that stage. Only in a few spots did the action not match the music as planned; ironing out such little glitches is a normal part of rehearsal.
No dramatic production, high school or otherwise, is as easy as it appears. Caring directors and managers naturally fret, even though GMUHS has a legacy of successful productions under its belt.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” Saul mused as she watched the action. “We have good kids, though.”
“The kids are having a great time,” said Austin. “I’m having some stress. There are so many details that need to be pulled together …”
“But it always, always comes together,” Saul reassured.
The cast of more than 20 comes from the high school, with members in all grades. Many of the cast members have worked in the drama department’s previous productions.
Belle will be played by Anika Reitmeyer-Lankone, and the Beast will be portrayed by Rosie Saccardo. (Both actors were previously in “Grease”, and “The Wizard of Oz”.)
Music will be provided by a small band of about nine student musicians, and of course several other students are involved in the set building, lights, properties, and other aspects of the production.
The audience can expect to find “wonderful singing voices,” said Austin.
“A lot of energy and dancing,” as well, said Saul, in a production that the audience will find at a high level.
Four shows are planned. They run Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., with an afternoon show at 2 p.m. Saturday. Saturday afternoon also has a special “Meet the Characters” opportunity for young children just before the show, where kids can have their picture taken with a costumed cast member.
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