Real talk, the last DHS musical/play I went to was Robin Hood and that was over ten years ago. I am also not a huge fan of musicals and couldn’t even get through the first five minutes of “Into the Woods.” So, why was I compelled to go watch “Beauty and the Beast?” Simple, I wanted to see if the rumors where true.

From Madison Fairman addressing the crowd to the full cast singing in the finale, I could not take my eyes away from the stage. The casting was brilliant and I truly believe that Brooke Pacifico is the reincarnation of Belle. The play wasn’t completely like the cartoon or the live action version of the movie and for that I am thankful. Lumiere (Colin Johnson) and Babette (Rachel Nesbitt) had hilarious couple quarrels and Gaston (Tyler LeDuc) and Lefou (Chris Laubach) had me busting out laughing ever since they walked on stage.

Truth be told, I didn’t exactly have high hopes for the play because, lets face it, it’s a high school play. But I am so happy that I was proven wrong. The cast used the entire auditorium to their advantage and I was slightly alarmed to hear singing behind me (I was in the seat next to the aisle) and see six cast members from the mob about to run down the aisle.

The only thing I was disappointed in was that I went closing night and I could not have seen the musical again. The good news was that I got to watch the confetti fall during “Be Our Guest” and the final song. The crowd was on their feet and cheering for the cast half way through the last song and boy did they deserve it. I could physically see how much the cast has loved being apart of the play because everyone started to cry when they finished the song. The answer to my question is that the rumors were true and anyone who didn’t see the musical has lucked out on something amazing.

Thank you “Beauty and the Beast” cast for bringing the story to life and putting your own twist on it. I expect big things from you and I hope I get to write another review article praising the next play.

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Sian Ellis Lyon