Beauty and the beast
at Jserra Catholic High school

Reviewed on April 27, 2017

Rebecca Bogdanovic
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

JSerra Enchants with a Brilliant "Beauty and the Beast"
written by Rebecca Bogdanovic, a senior at San Juan Hills High School

Behind the walls of a cold stone castle, lives an arrogant prince. His life is perfect, until a wicked enchantress casts a deadly spell, transforming him into a hideous beast and dooming him to remain so for eternity- unless he can find true love.

With an eclectic group of characters, lively ensemble, and dazzling set, the cast and crew of JSerra's "Beauty and the Beast," reminds us all that true beauty is found on the inside.

Vivacity, and fierce independence characterize Nini Guerry's portrayal of Belle.
A distinctive fire is present beneath her pleasant demeanor, as her sweet smile and hopeful eyes quickly melt away when her father is taken prisoner. Each note she sings is clear and strong, resonating powerfully throughout the stage, especially in "A Change in Me."

With deep growls and fits of fiery anger, Todd Mortenson is the Beast. Ashamed to show his monstrous face, his posture remains hunched and his eyes purposefully averted. Mortenson's transformation from rageful brute, to kind, loving soul is stark, coming to fruition in the song, "If I Can't Love Her."

Through arrogance and false charm, Griffin Howard portrays the pretentious Gaston. Howard holds himself tall and proud with a high chin, refusing to look his inferiors in the eye. His booming, resonate voice furthers this conceit, as he smugly sings about his self-worth in "Gaston." As the loyal sidekick, Trevor Keenan (Lefou) utilizes wild, excited eyes, and grand movements, eagerly throwing himself to the floor in excitement over his master's plans.

Rosy and warm, Isabelle Pichler is the matronly Mrs. Potts. Each word she speaks is light and cheerful, as her beautiful voice sets the mood in "Beauty and the Beast." Despite their incessant bickering, Jack Devenny and Cassidy Wendall are the dynamic Lumiere and Cogsworth. Wendall's high pitched squeals of indignation and adamant stomps of frustration are countered by Devenny's smooth confidence, as he puts on a grand dinner production in "Be Our Guest."

Scenic design by Didrick Thordarson and Cassidy Wendall contrasts the two starkly different settings of this tale. The dark, austere stone and stained glass of the castle provide more serious surroundings, in contrast with the bright, whimsical colors of the town.

"Beauty and the Beast" at JSerra serves as a reminder that beauty is not defined by one's external appearance, but rather who they are within.

Sophie Lindborg
Dana Hills High School (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

A tale as old as time is newly enlightened at Jserra's "Beauty and the
Beast"
written by Sophie Lindborg, a junior at Dana Hills High School

Behind the radiant stained-glass windows of a secluded castle lie an entranced, grotesque Beast and his enchanted servants. With resurgence of hope to break the spell, Belle, a rather "odd", valiant, and beautiful village girl finds herself captive and soon captivated by the castle's mysteries. Jserra's "Beauty and the Beast" emanates the deceitful power of appearance and assumption, as truth is revealed through the beauty of the heart.

Nini Guerry superbly embodies Belle, conveying spirited physique with bright eyes and a resonant voice. Her impressive vocal range and fluidity is angelic, while she showcases drive and passion. Achieving such intricate dynamics as well as a compelling belt in "A Change In Me" is soothly enthralling.

Todd Mortenson portrays the Beast to the furthest extent. With grounded stance and callous remarks, Mortenson upholds engagement. His mature, booming vocals contribute insensitivity, striking terror within those whom he encounters. His overbearing and erratic behavior however, steadily softens while falling for Belle.

Griffin Howard exquisitely captures the self-inflated, pompous Gaston. His enticing vocals and burly physical stature are in contrast to his goggle-eyed and zealous sidekick Trevor Keenan (Lefou). Their extravagant executions thoroughly inspire relentless, comedic banter.

The spellbinding inanimate objects abide to persistent charm and embrace. Jack Devenny, (Lumiere) and love interest Hailey Zehren (Babette) exude flirtatious chemistry. Isabelle Pichler (Mrs. Potts), is cordial and tender, heavenly singing with darling, ever-present Angelique Brown, (Chip). Cassidy Wendell exceptionally renders Cogsworth with a tense facade including impeccable diction and comedic timing, while the dazzling Hannah Yeager (Madame de la Grande Bouche) emits a lavish exterior, with vibrant and operatic vocals.

Costumes by Jordyn Kerley and Emerson Broders reflect village life in 1700s France. Long skirts and tattered clothing give a sense of hard-working, yet simplistic life. Mesmerizing fantasy costumes are worn by the enchanted objects with emphasized rich colors.

Stage makeup by Lauren Knight highlights individuality amongst all characters. Palettes ranging from a light, natural look for Belle, to a dark and detailed hairy Beast remarkably enhances contrast of appearance and personality. Whimsical clock hands grace Cogsworth's face, while bold blue eyeshadow for Madame de la Grande Bouche accentuates her flamboyant essence.

Jserra's rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" embraces elegance in all. Their brilliant performance reminds looking past the external, opening hearts to love and seek the beauty within.

Chloe Grubb
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Jserra's Endearing 'Beauty and the Beast'
written by Chloe Grubb, a sophomore at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

True to the characteristic tale, Jserra's 'Beauty and the Beast' follows the story of Belle and Maurice and their lives in their provincial village. As the musical progresses, Belle must live with The Beast in order to protect her father. Though the pair butt heads at first, Belle and The Beast fall in love and learn to see the true beauty within themselves.

With commanding posture and a confident tone, Nini Guerry portrays a deeper level to the 'classic' Belle. While maintaining the gentle smile of the poised individual, Guerry manages to accentuate Belle's strong nature by striding with conviction, and confronting characters like The Beast and Gaston to defend her father. And yet despite these headstrong confrontations, Guerry succeeds in developing Belle's benevolence and tenderness in her close relationship with Maurice.

Maurice (John Kheriaty) and Belle create an endearing father-daughter dynamic over the course of the production. Their undeniably loving bond is noted during Belle's harmonious 'A Change in Me'. Here, the two characters visibly open up to one another as they sit intimately and hold hands while Belle explains her newfound understanding of the world.

Cowering his head as he stalks about the stage, Todd Mortenson successfully depicts the complicated nature of The Beast. Changing from the brooding creature, The Beast grows into a gentle, but self-conscious man as Mortenson reveals his desperation in wavering vocal inflection and anxious wanderings.

The costume design by Jordyn Kerley and Emerson Broders brilliantly combines the charming, classic colors of the original Broadway musical with creative twists. For instance, Belle's ball gown has its iconic yellow, flowing design, but the designers accent the piece with gold detailing and roses. This creative twist of featuring gold and the roses in the design is reminiscent of the curse held by the royal Beast. The gown works to emphasize the importance of Belle in this master plan to break the curse, and other works of symbolism.

With ornate gowns and corsets, the costuming also excels in featuring the French dress of the late 18th century, the time in which the original fable was written. This works to the favor of the villager ensemble and clearly establishes the time and place within the company's opening ‘Belle'.

Jserra's ‘Beauty and the Beast' is truly endearing with its classic, unforgettable characters and creative twists.