The Salem Community High School’s Drama Club opens their musical Beauty and Beast at the Salem Community Theatre Thursday night.
Director Drew Johnson says Disney performances are always challenging because of the number of special effects.
“We’ve got about 50 kids involved and it’s had its hurdles and its fun moments where we are really trying to bring Disney magic to life. It’s an uphill battle but we think we’ve got it worked out.”
This will be the final performance for graduating seniors including Ashton Baldridge who plays Gaston.
“Gaston is really an interesting character to play because he is such a manly, bombastic, very misogynistic or of person and I am none of those things so I think it’s interesting to slip into that character. I like to think that I represent him well on stage.”
Isabella Krajefska plays one of the silly girls.
“I’m one of three girls that are obsessed with Gaston and thinks Bell is delusional for turning him down. We basically run around and chase him because we are so madly in love with him. Once again a misogynistic bad guy of the play we are obsessed with. It’s a fun part to get into as well because you get to act silly.”
Daniel Islam didn’t discover theatre until his senior year and is in his second performance. He plays Lumière.
“He’s the fun guy and lead on Bell and really wants her to fall in love with the Beast. It’s fun to play him because he’s very cheerful and not uptight at all. It’s just fun and exciting.”
The students are hoping the entire community will turn out to see their work.
Show times are 7 pm this and next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with one matinee at three this Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. They are available at the SCHS Main Office or by calling 548-0727, at the Salem Theatre Box office, or online at the Salem Theatre’s website SalemILtheatre.org.
