Fans of Disney’s iconic romance “Beauty and the Beast” flocked to Ebersole Auditorium on February 7-8. Under Director Suzette Emma-Fandale and producer Barbara Gallagher, the 43-member cast entertained the audience with three performances, including a Saturday afternoon character brunch hosted by the production’s characters on February 8.
Autumn Margaret Walthers played the female lead as Belle, with Michael Marziliano as the Beast. Aidan Gaynor narrated the production, while Jack Frankie (Maurice), Kevin Munson (Gaston) and Joey Salerno (LeFou) played the supporting male roles. Silly Girls Maya Krulder, Rachael La Grega and Cassidy Solina provided comic relief throughout the play as they swooned over Gaston in hopes of gaining his attention. Unforgettable were the roles of Lumiere (Jack Burkhardt), Cogsworth (Troy Sica), Mrs. Potts (Emma Butler), Babette (Keira Ballan), Madame de la Grande Bouche (Kennedy Parris), Chip (Carley Simms), Old Beggar Woman/Enchantress (Alexa Ferrara) and Monsieur D’Arque (Aidan Gaynor).
In addition to stunning costumes and a show-stopping set, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the production’s most popular tunes from the original Broadway production and movie including “Be Our Guest,” “Tale as Old as Time,” and “Gaston.” A special thank you was extended to choreographer Stephanie Verticcio, vocal director Henry Finnegan and pit conductor James Uzzi whose efforts made the show a success.
In a statement included in the program, Ms. Fandale and Mr. Uzzi said, “The theater program at Bellport High School has been built over the past 25 years with the commitment, devotion, respect and love from our team. We have had the amazing opportunity to work alongside a group of amazingly talented professionals who hold the highest expectations for themselves and our students. With success as the only option, we have together created and presented truly amazing productions for our community.”