By Mandy Stussman ‘14

Beauty and the Beast, a play produced by IT Systems Specialist and theatre director Andrew Dodge, began performances in the Ertzman theatre on November 15, and will continue performances this weekend, on the 22nd and 23rd. This year, the play featured unprecedented components, as cast and crew members worked vigorously to test the boundaries of a high school production and take the play to a whole new caliber.

All their time and energy paid off. The musical captivated its audience through passionate acting, impressive singing, elaborate sets, lighting and precise choreography.

“[To direct a play], you have to start by reading through the script to find out what the needs of the production will be: how many different locations do we need to create, furniture and props, and all of the different costumes to create the right look,” said Dodge. “All of these needed to be designed and planned out. I have a lot of students on tech crew this year which has been beneficial to the complexity of the show.”

Dodge and the crew were successful in creating that “right look.” The set designs, which consisted mainly of detailed painted backgrounds, were exquisite, and helped transition the play throughout the three main settings. Coupled with beautifully extravagant costumes and make-up, viewers were drawn into the story, forgetting they were in a high school theatre.

Another new feature of the play was the casting of two elementary school students to share the role of Chip the Teacup. This was the first time that non-Sherwood students were cast in a Sherwood production.

Senior Rachel Fox, who also played Silly Girl #1, choreographed the elaborate dance routines, which added to the songs and the story. The hours of practice were evident as the cast remained largely synchronized. Sophomore Sophie Mezebish, who played Babette, even performed a solo tap-dancing routine during one of the songs, an impressive talent and great addition to the play.

Furthermore, the Sherwood orchestra, conducted by music teacher Alex Silverbook, wowed the audience with its impressive skills. They beautifully demonstrated their ability to master the amazing score of the musical, especially the most beloved songs, like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Half way through the first act on opening night, the cast demonstrated remarkable professionalism when a bat swooped in and flew around the theater. The actors on stage masterfully did not skip a beat proving the play would go on no matter what.

Overall, the cast and crew produced an outstanding musical reminiscent of the beloved tale, “Beauty and the Beast.”