‘Beauty and the Beast’ to be ‘magical’

VWHS Drama Club information

Van Wert High School will bring Disney’s magic to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center April 19-21, starting at 7 p.m. each evening, with its production of Beauty and the Beast.

The show will certainly delight its audience with the same (and even more) spectacle and energy the community has come to expect from Van Wert’s productions.

“While we don’t have rain this year,” says director Michelle Stoller, “we do have magical special effects, costumes, lighting, and dance numbers that will wow our audience and hopefully do justice to the brightness and energy for which Disney is so well known. Our audience will not be disappointed.”

This production is Broadway’s version of the classic Disney tale: it has the same plot line, characters, and songs children and adults will recognize from the Disney movie, but it also has newer songs and added depth that make it appeal to more than just children.

“It’s a beautiful show on many accounts,” Stoller asserts. “Children will love it, but our adult audiences will be able to connect to real characters with very real problems — probably even wipe a tear once or twice in the midst of the smiles.”

Stoller is proud of her cast and crew, as they’ve tackled a show that has proven to be even more challenging than she first expected. While many of the costumes will be sewn, the enchanted characters have been rented, a new venture for VWHS; the costumes are beautiful and, well, enchanting.

The production will also include special effects for transformations throughout the show, and the lighting demands flash and spectacle that will certainly be a rewarding undertaking and provide students with new learning opportunities.

Josh Schumm has once again been working diligently on building large set pieces, and alumnus Melissa Bloomfield has volunteered her time with intricate dance numbers and vocal music help.

“We are downright excited for this production,” Stoller confirms. “I even hope our little guests will feel free to come in costume if they desire.”

Mark the calendar and invite friends to see Beauty and the Beast. Tickets go on sale April 1 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and are $8 for adults, $6 for students, and $4 for children 5 and under. Checks and cash only.