For all theatre lovers, Highland Theatre Company invites you to pull up a chair as it proudly presents its production of “Beauty and the Beast.” On Thursday, May 4, Highland Theatre held a final dress rehearsal to prepare for its upcoming performances, and to say it was moving would be an understatement.
Over 60 students came together to bring the classic Disney tale to life with a special, Highland twist. As the students danced, sang, and acted their hearts out, it became clear that the production was more than just a show – it was a symbol of their passion.
The last time Highland Theatre put on “Beauty and the Beast” was in 2014. With such a big group of students eager to perform, especially after the past couple of years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Director Matthew Domasica felt it was the perfect time to bring the show back for the community.
“Beauty and Beast” has always been a student favorite at Highland Theatre, but senior Alex Schmidt, who played Gaston, was especially thrilled by this year’s show choice.
“Ever since freshman year, I’ve wanted to close out my high school theatre career with ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ When I found out we were actually going to be putting it on, I was super excited. I’m grateful to put on one last show with my fellow seniors and the best friends I’ve had since freshman year,” said Schmidt.
Auditions for the show ended in January and the cast and crew started practicing in late February. Watching the dress rehearsal, nobody would believe the cast had only been preparing for eight weeks. It’s incredible that the students were able to learn and flawlessly perform such a large production in such a short amount of time.
It’s even more incredible, though, that the students were able to find ways to make the show their own. Whether it was a unique take on a costume or a special flair added to a character, the performance had an unforgettable Highland twist.
“Everyone knows that Disney stories are some of the biggest and most magical things in the world, but to see a small community theatre like Highland perform it is special. We add our own magic to it,” said sophomore Reis Maldonado, who played Lumiere.
For senior Madison Karulski, who played Belle, what made her performance unique compared to the original was her passion. Karulski fell in love with singing when she was very young and started doing theatre in seventh grade. When she didn’t get a part in the fall show of her freshman year, she didn’t let it get her down. Instead, she worked even harder and poured everything she had into singing.
As Karulski brought Belle to life onstage, it was clear how much she wanted the audience to love Highland Theatre’s version of the show and how much she wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
“I love theatre, especially smaller theatres like ours because so many different people come together on stage to put on something so much bigger than themselves. It’s a great feeling to make people happy and entertain them,” said Karulski.
With all the passion and heart evident onstage, it was easy for Domasica to share how impressed he was by his students and how far they’ve come.
“It’s always great working with the kids. We have an exceptional group of student actors and technicians putting this on and it’s wonderful seeing them all work together to produce a show of this scale. I’m very proud of them,” said Domasica.
The students were just happy to be part of something so uplifting with their friends by their sides.
“I’m forever grateful for this role and the cast who I love so dearly. I’m glad I’ve gotten the opportunity to create a little theatre family with all of these fantastic and amazing people,” said Maldonado.
So, tie a napkin ‘round your neck cherie, and get ready for Highland Theatre Company to provide a truly one-of-a-kind show. Shows will be held on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. A final performance will be held on Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. It’s sure to be stunning, and if you don’t believe me, just ask the dishes.
“I just really hope people come out to see our show. I think everyone will be amazed by all the hard work we’ve put into it,” said Schmidt.
To learn more about Highland Theatre Company, visit highlandtheatrecompany.org.