Staff Report
Newsome High School’s Theatre Department presents the award-winning musical Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Thursday-Saturday, May 5, 6 and 7 at Newsome High School, located at 16550 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia in the Auditorium.
With Beauty and the Beast, Newsome High School Theatre creates the storybook magic of an enchanted castle and a French provincial town in the 1700’s with orchestrated music, costumes that come to life and spectacular show-stopping, all cast dance numbers.
Director Leslie White said, “Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie and Belle is my favorite princess. She loves to read and I love to read. Our cast and our community know and love this show. Our students are talented and passionate and so excited to be a part of this production.”
Lillian Kraack is featured in the role of lovely Belle, and The Beast is portrayed by Hayes Ubillos.
Emily Velasco is Mrs. Potts, the comforting motherly teapot. “As a senior, I am so excited about playing such an iconic role like Ms. Potts. She is a real mother to Belle, the entire castle and she especially loves her son Chip. I am thrilled to be playing a leading role and wearing an amazing costume. We are renting beautifully made professional costumes and Ms. Potts will be so much fun to wear,” said Velasco.
The brawny, conceited hunter, Gaston, with his eye set on Belle, is Zach Garner. His bumbling sidekick, Lefou, is Daniel Milani and Alex Lopez plays Maurice, Belle’s eccentric inventor father.
Enchanted castle objects include talented actors and dancers from all over the area. The production is lead by directors Leslie White and Chad Cornwell, music director Jeffry Bogue, choreographer Mitsie Kraack, and lighting and sound design by Stephen Kraack and costumes by Mary Kraack.
Student assistants and crew members will be responsible for the staging and production values of the musical, including the lighting, sound and props.
The cast of Beauty and the Beast includes more than 65 performers and crew members from ages 13 to 18 years of age.
Performances take place 7 p.m. on Thursday to Saturday, May 5-7 and also at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults. To purchase tickets, visit www.newsometheatre.com.
