KALAHEO — During Kalaheo Elementary Drama Club’s first production, the members kept it simple. The performers dressed entirely in black and the set was basic. Eight years later, the Drama Club’s version of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.” has
KALAHEO — During Kalaheo Elementary Drama Club’s first production, the members kept it simple. The performers dressed entirely in black and the set was basic.
Eight years later, the Drama Club’s version of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.” has turned into a mini-Broadway show.
“The special effects for ‘Beauty in the Beast’ are insane. The costumes are insane. Everything is so over the top.” said Director Marly Madayag.
From the intricate set design to the smoke-filled transformation of the Beast, parents and volunteers pulled out all the stops for this musical, which opens 7 p.m. today at Kalaheo Elementary School.
The cast of 41 students from grades 3–5 began rehearsing in January, while their parents have been working behind the scenes as set builders, costume designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, sound technicians and lighting masters.
The young performers also lent a hand behind the scenes, learning how math and science is used in the show.
The children measured the stage to calculate how big the set needed to be, and they were given a lesson on optical illusions, said Traci Sullivan, who secured a grant from the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board to help fund the production.
The condensed version of the musical keeps the magic and adventure of the animated film, which includes dancing flatware and singing furniture.
Madayag, who founded the Drama Club and also teaches the fifth grade at Kalaheo Elementary School, held off on directing “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” until she found the right mix of students.
“We have been gearing up for ‘Beauty and Beast’ the last few years — training kids, looking for just the right actors who can handle the vocals and who have the acting skills,” she said. “I pick a show that can grow them as actors, singers and performers. … It’s only been three years, but man, can these kids deliver.”
Fifth graders Jackson Peterson and Helena Huffman tackle the roles of the Beast and Belle, while Ryan Elwin and Brian Fleener portray the conniving Gaston and his sidekick, Lefou.
The Beast’s enchanted servants are played by Haven Ventura as Mrs. Potts, Natalie Claytor as Chip, Jacob Herr as Lumiere, Helena Medeiros as Cogsworth, Kamryn Matsumoto at Madame De La Grande Bouche and Marlena Lang as Babette, plus Ben Murray as Belle’s father, Maurice.
“Beauty and the Beast” opens at 7 p.m. today at the Kalaheo Elementary School Cafeteria. Additional performances are at 7 p.m. April 30, May 6 and May 7. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at Kalaheo Elementary School, Kalaheo Chiropractic & Massage, Uncle’s Shave Ice in Kukui‘ula Village and at the door.
Before the show, attendees can purchase food or enter in a drawing to win various themed gift baskets. Guests can also buy tickets for a chance to win prizes, including free nights at Castle Resort’s Lotus at Diamond Head, Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island and The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui. All proceeds are used to fund next year’s production.
For more information call Keala Huffman at 652-5908.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
