Beauty and the Beast
at University High School

Reviewed on March 26, 2015

Jennifer Kaplan
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University Tames the "Beast"

A hunched, howling figure looms in darkness as fog swirls. But this is no horror story—it's the opening scene of University High School's "Beauty and the Beast," the classic tale that follows an inquisitive 18th century French village girl Belle as she learns to see the humanity behind an enchanted Beast's deformed visage.

Despite the obstacle of a prosthetic mask, Nataneal Cho displays impressive emotional versatility as the Beast. Frighteningly arching his back and leering, he is a creature of the shadows, perpetually huddling behind columns and only lurching into the light to angrily thrust his face at Belle. His humanity is revealed in "If I Can't Love Her," where he slouches with his foot limply dangling until he drags himself across the stage, shoulders hunched while his tortured, growling vocals exemplify the desolation of unrequited love.

As Belle, Megan McCarthy charms with her prancing step and warm vocals. During "Belle," she eagerly gambols about town, fluttering vibrato highlighting her hopefulness as she clutches books to her chest in wide-eyed delight. This enthusiasm is refined to tenderness when, during "The Battle," she crouches next to the Beast's limp form and cradles his head in her lap, back arched with grief and sobs racking her frame.

Brash and perpetually mugging for the audience in his attempts to woo Belle, Gaston's (Austin Barber) conceitedness shines through every self-assured pose and bicep flex. He strides with a confident, boyish swagger most evident during "Gaston," when he nonchalantly snatches Belle and throws her over his shoulder, still confidently thrusting his chin and punching the air despite her kicking protests.

As she grotesquely contorts her face and shuffles, Corinne Alsop's LeFou epitomizes the archetypal bumbling sidekick. She alternately lisps and squawks, at one point squirming clumsily and squealing as Gaston drags her offstage.

The glistening metallic details of Maribel Cervantes's costume designs capture the beauty and magic of this enchanted world. Inspired by the steam punk aesthetic, an abundance of corsets, gear motifs, and bright, metallic fabrics distinguish the enchanted castle residents from the villagers' humdrum patchy rags. Lumiere's handmade silver, sparkling coat is especially striking, as it catches the light in a manner appropriate to his name.

With extravagant musical numbers, sparkling technical work, and emotionally stirring performances, this "tale as old as time" reveals that only love can tame the beast in us all.

Jennifer Kaplan
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University Tames the "Beast"

A hunched, howling figure looms in darkness as fog swirls. But this is no horror story—it's the opening scene of University High School's "Beauty and the Beast," the classic tale that follows an inquisitive 18th century French village girl Belle as she learns to see the humanity behind an enchanted Beast's deformed visage.

Despite the obstacle of a prosthetic mask, Nataneal Cho displays impressive emotional versatility as the Beast. Frighteningly arching his back and leering, he is a creature of the shadows, perpetually huddling behind columns and only lurching into the light to angrily thrust his face at Belle. His humanity is revealed in "If I Can't Love Her," where he slouches with his foot limply dangling until he drags himself across the stage, shoulders hunched while his tortured, growling vocals exemplify the desolation of unrequited love.

As Belle, Megan McCarthy charms with her prancing step and warm vocals. During "Belle," she eagerly gambols about town, fluttering vibrato highlighting her hopefulness as she clutches books to her chest in wide-eyed delight. This enthusiasm is refined to tenderness when, during "The Battle," she crouches next to the Beast's limp form and cradles his head in her lap, back arched with grief and sobs racking her frame.

Brash and perpetually mugging for the audience in his attempts to woo Belle, Gaston's (Austin Barber) conceitedness shines through every self-assured pose and bicep flex. He strides with a confident, boyish swagger most evident during "Gaston," when he nonchalantly snatches Belle and throws her over his shoulder, still confidently thrusting his chin and punching the air despite her kicking protests.

As she grotesquely contorts her face and shuffles, Corinne Alsop's LeFou epitomizes the archetypal bumbling sidekick. She alternately lisps and squawks, at one point squirming clumsily and squealing as Gaston drags her offstage.

The glistening metallic details of Maribel Cervantes's costume designs capture the beauty and magic of this enchanted world. Inspired by the steam punk aesthetic, an abundance of corsets, gear motifs, and bright, metallic fabrics distinguish the enchanted castle residents from the villagers' humdrum patchy rags. Lumiere's handmade silver, sparkling coat is especially striking, as it catches the light in a manner appropriate to his name.

With extravagant musical numbers, sparkling technical work, and emotionally stirring performances, this "tale as old as time" reveals that only love can tame the beast in us all.

Sierra Julander
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University Produces Heartfelt "Beauty and the Beast"

Petals cascade down from a brightly lit rose, commencing University High School's stunning rendition of "Beauty and the Beast."

Bookworm Belle longs for a life beyond her small hometown. When she finds herself imprisoned by a gruesome beast, however, she must break a curse by learning to love him despite outward obstacles. Through incorporation of gears and Victorian elements, University displays this classic with a steampunk twist.

Exemplifying the grace of a princess, Belle (Megan McCarthy) daintily strolls onstage with a dreamy look in her eye and a book in her hand. Brow furrowed and arms held tightly to her sides, she displays tenacity as she copes with Gaston's advancements and her imprisonment. McCarthy's poignant performances in "Is This Home" and "A Change in Me" showcase her melodic voice and compelling emotion, aiding Belle's transition from dependence to confidence.

The narcissistic Gaston (Austin Barber) opposes Belle's gentility with a confident stride, shoulders back and chest puffed out. His egocentrism is exhibited as he carelessly spins Belle, scatters her books, or absent-mindedly throws her to the floor. In "Gaston," his beastly pride develops as the villagers rhythmically clang mugs together in elaborate choreography, passionately singing about Gaston's greatness.

With a biting voice, the Beast (Nataneal Cho) commands attention through his bearish attitude. As he violently snaps at Belle, he quickly recedes into himself, displaying regret over his inability to behave cordially. Gradually recognizing Belle's growing affection for him, he abandons his hunched stature for softened actions, even allowing Belle to lead their first dance.

Cogsworth (Kathy Flores) is the stern head of house, managing the other enchanted objects in a lilting, yet commanding English accent. Her lovable austerity is contrasted through her French counterpart, Lumiere (Ryan Nicholson). Nicholson bitterly responds to the show's antics with coarse sarcasm, igniting flames on his hands each time he becomes too heated. Ottoman (Eleanor Goulden) leaps and flips across the stage in a flurry of acrobatics, perpetuating the high energy of many of the castle scenes.

Costume design, by Maribel Cervantes, seamlessly blends this classic story with steampunk components. From Cogsworth's gear-adorned clock face to Lumiere's candlestick arms with working lights, costumes help to animate this beloved tale.

As they bring to life this tale as old as time, University High School adeptly employs technical and theatrical elements to compose a steampunk success.

Sierra Julander
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

University Produces Heartfelt "Beauty and the Beast"

Petals cascade down from a brightly lit rose, commencing University High School's stunning rendition of "Beauty and the Beast."

Bookworm Belle longs for a life beyond her small hometown. When she finds herself imprisoned by a gruesome beast, however, she must break a curse by learning to love him despite outward obstacles. Through incorporation of gears and Victorian elements, University displays this classic with a steampunk twist.

Exemplifying the grace of a princess, Belle (Megan McCarthy) daintily strolls onstage with a dreamy look in her eye and a book in her hand. Brow furrowed and arms held tightly to her sides, she displays tenacity as she copes with Gaston's advancements and her imprisonment. McCarthy's poignant performances in "Is This Home" and "A Change in Me" showcase her melodic voice and compelling emotion, aiding Belle's transition from dependence to confidence.

The narcissistic Gaston (Austin Barber) opposes Belle's gentility with a confident stride, shoulders back and chest puffed out. His egocentrism is exhibited as he carelessly spins Belle, scatters her books, or absent-mindedly throws her to the floor. In "Gaston," his beastly pride develops as the villagers rhythmically clang mugs together in elaborate choreography, passionately singing about Gaston's greatness.

With a biting voice, the Beast (Nataneal Cho) commands attention through his bearish attitude. As he violently snaps at Belle, he quickly recedes into himself, displaying regret over his inability to behave cordially. Gradually recognizing Belle's growing affection for him, he abandons his hunched stature for softened actions, even allowing Belle to lead their first dance.

Cogsworth (Kathy Flores) is the stern head of house, managing the other enchanted objects in a lilting, yet commanding English accent. Her lovable austerity is contrasted through her French counterpart, Lumiere (Ryan Nicholson). Nicholson bitterly responds to the show's antics with coarse sarcasm, igniting flames on his hands each time he becomes too heated. Ottoman (Eleanor Goulden) leaps and flips across the stage in a flurry of acrobatics, perpetuating the high energy of many of the castle scenes.

Costume design, by Maribel Cervantes, seamlessly blends this classic story with steampunk components. From Cogsworth's gear-adorned clock face to Lumiere's candlestick arms with working lights, costumes help to animate this beloved tale.

As they bring to life this tale as old as time, University High School adeptly employs technical and theatrical elements to compose a steampunk success.

Siena Yusi
Laguna Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

University's "Beauty and the Beast" Enchants at Every Turn

As the lights dim and an intriguing voice begins to speak, the intricate story of the cursed castle's spell sets the stage for a colorful cast of characters in University High School's enchanting show, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The show then follows a bright, cheerful thinker, Belle, through imprisonment by to endearment of the Beast.

Megan McCarthy, as Belle, introduces her character with a strength and confidence that compliments her clear and beautiful voice to perfectly portray both the princess and the independent, growing woman.

Quick to make an appearance is Austin Barber as the strapping buffoon, Gaston. Barber adds a refreshing touch of humor while staying believable, as he and his sidekick, played brilliantly by Corinne Alsop, brainstorm ways to capture the attention of the beautiful Belle. Alsop creates her own lisp to bring the character's stupidity to light. Her overly expressive speech and goofy vocals shift from a squeal to a deep voice in just a few syllables, bringing a light, playful air to the character.

Captivating as the deformed Beast, Nataneal Cho, portrays his beastly strength and anger clearly, but as he slips into his regretful and defeated state, he sings a lovely, "If I Can't Love Her."

Cogsworth (Kathy Flores) and Lumiere (Ryan Nicholson) do a commendable job as they support each other's every move. Flores never loses her necessity to follow orders, even when joining group numbers, while Nicholson is the perfect French-accented charmer. Notable mention must also be given to Eleanor Goulden, another enchanted object in the castle for her energy and involvment onstage.

In addition to the talented Uni Pit Orchestra who skillfully play the original score, Ryan Pan and Andrew Nguyen have written original arrangements in order to cover scene changes, adding a fresh dimension to the show.

The stage manager, Kaleena Hughes, and production manager, Andrew Nguyen, do an impressive job coordinating so many moving set pieces and people both safely and quickly.

Perfectly matched costumes, by Maribel Cervantes, are understandable and functional. Matched by Niusha Maleki's makeup design, each character's personality is represented through well thought out and executed makeup.

Although actors are sometimes hard to understand and technical hiccups in lighting and sound do occur, University High School puts on a beautifully captivating story about acceptance and love through Disney's enchanting story of "Beauty and the Beast."

Siena Yusi
Laguna Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

University's "Beauty and the Beast" Enchants at Every Turn

As the lights dim and an intriguing voice begins to speak, the intricate story of the cursed castle's spell sets the stage for a colorful cast of characters in University High School's enchanting show, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The show then follows a bright, cheerful thinker, Belle, through imprisonment by to endearment of the Beast.

Megan McCarthy, as Belle, introduces her character with a strength and confidence that compliments her clear and beautiful voice to perfectly portray both the princess and the independent, growing woman.

Quick to make an appearance is Austin Barber as the strapping buffoon, Gaston. Barber adds a refreshing touch of humor while staying believable, as he and his sidekick, played brilliantly by Corinne Alsop, brainstorm ways to capture the attention of the beautiful Belle. Alsop creates her own lisp to bring the character's stupidity to light. Her overly expressive speech and goofy vocals shift from a squeal to a deep voice in just a few syllables, bringing a light, playful air to the character.

Captivating as the deformed Beast, Nataneal Cho, portrays his beastly strength and anger clearly, but as he slips into his regretful and defeated state, he sings a lovely, "If I Can't Love Her."

Cogsworth (Kathy Flores) and Lumiere (Ryan Nicholson) do a commendable job as they support each other's every move. Flores never loses her necessity to follow orders, even when joining group numbers, while Nicholson is the perfect French-accented charmer. Notable mention must also be given to Eleanor Goulden, another enchanted object in the castle for her energy and involvment onstage.

In addition to the talented Uni Pit Orchestra who skillfully play the original score, Ryan Pan and Andrew Nguyen have written original arrangements in order to cover scene changes, adding a fresh dimension to the show.

The stage manager, Kaleena Hughes, and production manager, Andrew Nguyen, do an impressive job coordinating so many moving set pieces and people both safely and quickly.

Perfectly matched costumes, by Maribel Cervantes, are understandable and functional. Matched by Niusha Maleki's makeup design, each character's personality is represented through well thought out and executed makeup.

Although actors are sometimes hard to understand and technical hiccups in lighting and sound do occur, University High School puts on a beautifully captivating story about acceptance and love through Disney's enchanting story of "Beauty and the Beast."