NASDA’s lavish Beauty and the Beast

17 October 2012

NASDA’s lavish Beauty and the Beast

‘Going out with a bang’ is how CPIT National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) third year student Tom Worthington describes playing the role of Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, which opens at the Ashburton Events Centre on 25 October.

The lavish Disney musical, based on the classic fairytale, is a beautiful show from beginning to end according to the director, NASDA programme leader Richard Marrett. “It is a complex show, with a powerful and intricate score, a moving musical script, a great deal of music and a number of lavish production numbers, which must be fine-tuned with precision.

“There are a number of technical elements and a high reliance on the magical, beautifully-made costumes, which, while a sight to behold, are nevertheless obstacles the young actors must overcome. The collection of props which accompany the show is mammoth too.”

While the third year students overcome these challenges and showcase their skills, with second year student support, the first year students will work behind the scenes learning the ropes in preparation for their own future performances.

Worthington is more than ready for the show to open and confident he has what it takes to contribute to a successful production. “Well, the great thing about NASDA is that the tutors know so much about their craft whether it is singing, acting or dancing so the skills you develop are great! What makes the learning even better though is that they’ve all worked or still work professionally in the industry, so you know that what they’re teaching is so incredibly valuable.

When the final curtain closes on this production it will be a bittersweet moment for the third year NASDA students who have rehearsed, sung, acted, danced and performed through a variety of productions together and developed close bonds and friendships.

Beauty and the Beast runs from 25 to 28 November, at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre, 211 Wills Street, Ashburton. Thursday and Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2pm and 7.30pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets are $45 (concession $30), available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz.

ENDS

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