It's a Wrap for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" Musical!

beauty and the beast dancing on stage with a full ensemble surrounding them
It's a Wrap for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" Musical!

“Beauty and the Beast” was a delightful holiday spectacle, beloved by audiences and critics. 

In December 36 ANC students performed “Beauty and the Beast '' for over 1000 patrons at 5 shows at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center. The classic “Beauty and the Beast” 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.

ANC once again was a part of the Philadelphia Independence Awards and the Greater Philadelphia Cappies. Read the Cappies reviews here. 

Juniors Isabel Waelchli and Tait Asplundh led the show in the title roles, with fellow juniors Nicole Synnestvedt (Mrs. Potts), Alex Kline (Lumiere), Oliver Orthwein (Cogsworth), sophomore Sarah Roscoe (Madame de la Gran Bouche) and freshman Abby Alden (Chip) completing the castle characters. Seniors Zachary Ruth and Padraic Frazier brilliantly portrayed Gaston and Lefou, respectively, and senior Pax Cooper was Belle’s father, Maurice. 

Seniors Kent Fuller and Nevaeh Pierce were stage manager and assistant stage manager, leading the complex scene changes. Freshman Anthony McDonald manned the light board and newcomers Sadie Morey (junior) and Zoe Martin (sophomore) expertly handled the music cues, tracks and 11 mics. Junior Windsor S created the Beast’s look and his transformation back into a human. 

The set was built by Chris Waelchli and student volunteers who came in weekly during 6th period and a few weekends. 

Overall this touching, hilarious show was loved by audiences of all ages! 15 seniors total graced the stage and the ANC Performing Arts program will miss them next year! Over 60 students were involved in this production, either on stage or behind the scenes.

Check out photos from the production here and here.