Press Release: 21st of March, 2017
Be Our Guest
Prepare to be taken on an enchanted journey as Queen Margaret College brings the classic fairy tale, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to the stage next month.
This Queen Margaret College production promises to be a trip down memory lane for many who grew up with this timeless
story of princes, spells and talking furniture.
For Year 13 student Drew Welsby, stepping into the coveted role of Belle has been a joy and a privilege.
“This story was a very big part of my childhood so remaking it on stage makes me very happy and excited,” Drew says.
Based on an old French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast is the story of a young prince who was transformed into a horrible beast by an enchantress.
“Beauty and the Beast is not just about love,” Drew says.
“It’s about not judging a book by its cover and finding happiness within your own quirks and differences.”
The production will feature the animated film’s Academy Award winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by
Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.
The cast, which includes students from Scots College, Wellington College and St Patrick’s College, Wellington, has been
diligently rehearsing lines, learning songs and practising dance steps in preparation for opening night.
Sophie Plimmer, a Year 11 student, is playing Gaston’s sidekick Le Fou and is enjoying getting into character.
“Singing can be tricky because I have to sing in a higher key but Le Fou is so much fun to play,” she says.
Year 13 student Ottilie Bleackley, who plays talking teapot Mrs Potts, says the most challenging aspect of the
production has been choreographing the 60 plus cast on stage for each of the musical numbers.
“Both the cast and crew have been putting a lot of time and effort into this production to give our audience the best
performance – it is hugely rewarding to see it all coming together.”
Award winning director and international improviser Patrick Davies is directing the production and is supported by
musical director Tim Jenkin and choreographer Leila Morad.
Year 11 student Eleanor Burns, who is taking on the much loved character Cogsworth, says Patrick, Tim and Leila’s
enthusiasm and creativity will make this an unmissable show.
“The show has been brought to life through the costumes, technology and the energy the cast bring,” she says.
“There are still some set surprises coming that we don’t even know about.”
Tickets are selling fast so make sure you join Belle, Beast, Gaston, Le Fou, Mrs Potts, Cogsworth, Lumière and Chip, and revisit this classic Tale as Old as Time.
Click on the following link for more information and to buy tickets. https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2017/apr/beauty-and-the-beast
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Performances
Dates: Wednesday 5 April, Thursday 6 April, Friday 7 April, Saturday 8 April
Time: 7.00pm
Location: Queen Margaret College Hall
Cost: $20 adults, $15 students + Booking/Transaction Fee