Redwood starts off the fall season by transporting us into fairytale land. Actors and tech share their experiences with the characters and stage process.
By: Graciella Nava
Beauty Is The Beast, written by Don Zolidis, is a play on the original fairy tale of Beauty and The Beast; taking place 25 years after their happy ending. When an old woman comes up to their door, Belle fails to look past her appearance and is cursed by the old woman. After the curse sets in place, Beast is no longer charmed by Belle’s appearance and leaves her. In pursuit of breaking the curse, Belle takes her friends and goes on a quest to find who cast the spell.
Lola Sullivan, ‘28, is a three-year drama member and plays Belle. She explained her character’s challenge as, “Loving herself and others, and getting over her insecurities.”
Macie Nelson, ‘27, who has been involved in tech previously, is now the stage manager for Beauty Is The Beast. Nelson said, “It’s challenging because we have so little space in Rotary, so with the big set pieces we have, it’s very challenging to get them on stage without injuring anybody or breaking the set pieces.”
Connor West, ‘27, is a senior who plays the male lead, Lebron. He said his character’s challenge was, “Not getting the bride.”
For those who watch the play, it’s just a few lines, costumes, and set pieces. For those who are in it, it’s commitment, hard work, hours of work, and a lot of patience.
Nelson, ‘27, said, “Just being at rehearsal with everyone is really fun to see the whole thing come together and to see everyone’s hard work pay off.”
All of the actors have been working together for such a long time, and ultimately have become a team. A team isn’t just a few teenagers who come together every day to say their lines. A team is a few teenagers who become closer over time, are able to communicate, and look forward to being with each other at the end of the day.
There is so much collaboration, time spent together, and memories made, that behind the scenes they are like family.
Sullivan, ‘28, said, “You should come because it’s hilarious; everyone worked so hard, and so you can get some entertainment.”
West, ‘27, said, “It’s just a really good time, and there’s a lot of scene to make people laugh.”
Graciella Nava
Graciella Nava, '30, is a freshman journalist for the Gigantea. She enjoys converting entertainment, arts, and topics that give students a chance to share their perspectives. She is excited to continue improving her writing and making stories that people want to read. If you want to reach her, just email her at [email protected].
Tags: connorwest, drama, graciellanava, lolasullivan, macienelson, play, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, visalia ca
