The Cairo High School Stage Makers are proud to announce their upcoming spring musical production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”. The show is directed by Austin Harrell, under the musical direction of Joshua Moore, and choreographed by Hannah Harrison. The creative team would like to extend a special thank you to the CHS Construction Class and the CHS Art Department with whom they worked closely to design and prepare the amazing sets you will see on stage. According to Harrell, this production is an overwhelming success due in great part to the diligence and hard work of the students involved; “from the set design, to construction, to artwork, costuming, and every part in between, the show is student driven. We are so proud to showcase the talents of all our students with this show!”
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). According to MTI, “Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.”
The 39 students in the cast and crew have been keeping busy with this production since January. Junior Kennedi Smart states, “you’d be surprised how much goes into a production; of course, all the cast members have been working hard to perfect our songs, dances, and scenes, but our crew is also putting in the work backstage to make sure we have the most amazing sets and costumes.” President of The Stage Makers, Ellis Hendrix speaks highly of not only the show itself, but also the whole program, “I’ve been involved with the arts for over ten years, and I cannot say enough how positively they have impacted my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without access to arts education, and I’m forever grateful for programs like this that not only teach us, but also push us to perform and produce high quality shows for our small town to attend.”
The directors are also proud to announce that this show has been chosen by The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts to be part of their “Rising Star Program”. Per NYCDA, this program is a “way of recognizing talented high school students and offering them the opportunity to continue their passion for the performing arts in a conservatory environment.” A representative from the school will be attending the shows and speaking with students about post-secondary performing arts education options. According to Harrell, this is the first time in CHS history that a performing arts college has attended a performance to spotlight local talent.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will be performed at the Cairo High School Auditorium on Friday, April 21st at 7:00, Saturday, April 22nd at 2:00 and 7:00, and Sunday, April 23rd at 2:00. The Sunday Matinee is their “Senior Spotlight Show” where the senior drama members will be recognized and honored. The Stage Makers are also proud to have built a “Sensory Station” room in the lobby of the CHS Auditorium so that audience members of all abilities can attend performances; this room contains a sound machine, various sensory items, a trampoline, and a swing. If an audience member becomes overstimulated at any point during the show, they are welcome to go calm down in the Sensory Station. The Stage Makers hope you will come “be our guest” and support the arts in Grady County! Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door or in advance at this website: https://bit.ly/41AQkjE
The whole cast
1st Row (sitting): Elis Candelaria, Preslie Melvin, Sarah Lynch, and Seth Lynch
2nd Row: Madelyn Meredith, Jenna Marie Melvin, Ella Singletary, Ellis Hendrix, Kenzlea Candelaria, and Reagan Chaplin
3rd Row: Jane Waver Willis, Lilly Chaplin, Brooke Evans, Aubrey Whigham, Kennedi Smart, Alani Pope, Corrine Carrillo, M’Kenzie Prater, Hannah Lynch, and Mark Russo Back Row (standing): Payton Josey, Morgan Griffin, Alyssa Edwards, Ronnie Gordon, Keyshawn Mitchell, Jakin Ross, Lydia Harrison, Mason Best, and Daniel Cruz
Belle with the “little villagers”
Sarah Lynch, Seth Lynch, Ella Singletary, Eli Candelaria, and Preslie Melvin
The “Les Filles de la Ville”
Aubrey Whigham, Brooke Evans, Lilly Chaplin, and Jane Waver Willis
Gaston and his cronies
Daniel Cruz, Ronnie Gordon, and Mark Russo
The “Mirror” Cast of castle characters
Keyshawn Mitchell as Cogsworth, Jakin Ross as Lumiere, Kennedi Smart as Mrs. Potts, Hannah Lynch as Chip, Eden Singletary as Babette, and Corrine Carrillo as Madame de la Grande Bouche
The “Rose” cast of castle characters
Keyshawn Mitchell as Cogsworth, Payton Josey as Lumiere, Lydia Harrison as Mrs. Potts, Kenzlea Candelaria as Chip, Morgan Griffin as Babette, and Jenna Marie Melvin as Madame de la Grande Bouche
The Beast and the Enchantress
Ellis Hendrix and Alyssa Edwards
Belle and Maurice
Ella Singletary and Mason Best
The Prince and Belle
Ellis Hendrix and Ella Singletary