With the spring musical just around the corner, some of our students have been preparing to perform Beauty And The Beast. They have been rehearsing this musical for over a month now. They have worked very hard in many different aspects. Ranging from preparing songs, choreography, and acting. The shows will be on April 26th and 27th at 7:00 P.M, and April 28th at 3:00 P.M. 

Sam Low is a Junior here at Kettle Run and plays Bell in the musical. She has been doing theater since she was 7 years old. In an interview with her, she said, “I’m very grateful it’s been so much fun so far. I’ve been having a lot of fun at rehearsals.” Rehearsals consist of the cast learning the music, learning choreography, and rehearsing their lines. Now that it’s closer to the show, rehearsals start by running through the whole musical and fixing up anything that can be improved along the way. On top of that, the pit orchestra has been rehearsing with the cast now that everything has been coming together. Crew and tech members have been helping out in the production as well. They have been managing things like making props and being in charge of lighting and sound. Everybody has been putting in their portion in the production to make it the best it can be.

Ms. Camden Gillespie is the director of the musical and has the job of casting and helping students with acting skills. She graduated with a BA from JMU and majored in theater. She wanted to become a director when she said, “I have always considered myself a very creative and analytical person. I have participated in theater for as long as I can remember and I love analyzing scripts. Most of the time I am onstage, but I wanted to experience directing a full-length musical by myself for the first time. The thought of putting all of my ideas together for one big project really excited me.” When asked what she wanted the audience to take away from the musical, she said,  “I want audiences to find comfort within their current situation. Belle dreams of leaving her poor provincial town, but she discovers that the world outside of it isn’t what she has dreamed of. I also want audiences to find the beauty within themselves. My actor, Sam Low, who plays Belle, is blonde. She asked me if I wanted her to get a wig to look like the classic Belle everyone knows and loves. I would have been a terrible director had I said yes as that totally goes against the integrity of the script. Beauty truly does lie within. People should never change who they are to fit anyone’s standards.”

Reilly Radzsville is a junior here and plays Gaston in the musical. He has been involved in theater since he was in fifth grade. In an interview with him, he said, “I think my favorite part is getting to play a really fun character and then I would say just being involved in something that pulls people from different places, that’s a big factor and it feels like you’re part of something big.” Being in this musical, or this type of setting in general, can bring people closer together or even make long-lasting friendships. Students in the musical can benefit from being in it because it helps build their confidence and communication skills.

If you are interested in the school musical, feel free to attend one of the shows this week. This musical provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, develop their confidence, and explore their passions.