Cappies Review: South County High School's Beauty and the Beast

Tess Higgins
Langley High School

One might think an enchanted castle filled with charming anthropomorphic wardrobes, clocks and cutlery would be a delightful abode for its inhabitants. Think again. With the pitiless and brash Beast as master of the house, there’s little room for true happiness—especially as his prisoner. But in South County Secondary School’s production of Beauty and the Beast, the presence of Belle strikes a chord in the Beast’s heart he hasn’t felt in years: love.

Adapted by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Linda Woolverton from the 1991 animated Disney film of the same name, the stage version has been crowned the eighth longest running production in Broadway history. The story chronicles the tale of the Beast, who didn’t always have a ghastly appearance. Until he was cursed by an Enchantress for his selfishness, he was a handsome prince that lived without worries. For the spell over him and the rest of his household to be broken, he must not only learn to love selflessly, but be loved in return. When Belle becomes the Beast’s eternal captive after taking the place of her elderly father, the castle dwellers believe she might be the one to break the spell. But with Belle’s stubborn refusals and the Beast’s hot temper, the task proves harder than it appears.

Always engrossed in a book, Chelsea Smith played the youthful and intelligent Belle, demonstrating not only her thoughtful and considerate side, but also her determined and independent nature, more willing to starve than begrudgingly sit through dinner with the Beast. Smith’s smooth vocals were always consistent and shone particularly in “A Change in Me.” As the Beast, Dean Maldonato was a frightening presence, always equipped with demands and hostile remarks. As his love for Belle developed, Maldonato displayed his sincere care for her and his repentance for how he had treated her before.

Brennan Bridger stood out as the flamboyant and sprightly Lumiere with hilarious mannerisms, adept line delivery and infectious charisma. Bridger also maintained a refined French accent for the entirety of the show that added to his character’s comic appeal. Also showing off comedic chops was Yusuf Alizo as the confident and zealous Gaston. His interactions with the Silly Girls and constant self-admiration always kept the audience laughing. Other notable performers include Michael Lichstrahl as the anxious Cogsworth, and Whitney Turner as the affectionate Mrs. Potts.

All of the large ensemble numbers were filled with energy and expression, despite the occasional microphone malfunction. Whether it was the jaunty cup-clinking in “Gaston,” the nimble Rug (Nikko Custodio) in "Be Our Guest," or pleasant harmonies in “Human Again,” South County succeeded in making these numbers memorable.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show was the wide array of intricate costumes by Mariah Kahn and Noelle Greata. Many of the intricate household object costumes were constructed by students, from Lumiere’s torch-hands to the teacups and napkins. Set changes were very fluid and quick, even with many cumbersome set pieces.

“Certain as the sun rising in the East,” South County's production teemed with gusto and dedication from all of its performers, providing an enjoyable classic rendition for all ages.

The Cappies, "Critics and Awards Program," is a program through which high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in news organizations.