Beauty and the Beast
at Jenkintown MS/HS

Reviewed on February 5, 2022

Jack McCullough
Harriton High School
Submitted for publication to WordPress Site and Cappies Page

Sacré Bleu! A nonstop joy, Jenkintown High School's "Beauty and the Beast" certainly gives audiences a chance to experience something there that wasn't there before!

Based on a fairytale of the same name, the original film, released by Disney in 1991, tells the age old story of a young woman named Belle, who, in order to save her father, offers to live with a monstrous Beast, learning in her time with him that there is more to love than what the eye can see. Opening to widespread acclaim, the movie became one of the company's most iconic, prompting Disney to order production on a musical almost immediately. Just two years later, "Beauty and the Beast" hit Broadway, and in the time since has grossed over 1.7 billion dollars, making it one of the most successful musicals ever made.

For a show as magical as "Beauty and the Beast," often the most critical aspect of the production is the ensemble, who are entrusted with bringing the whimsy of the world to life, providing much of the energy found within songs. Luckily, the performers of Jenkintown were ready to give everything they had to their performances, elevating large group numbers to dizzying heights with energy and excitement, and filling the stage with life from wing to wing.

Taking center stage as book-smart beauty Belle was Jackie Drozd, who set the tone for the show perfectly with her witty delivery and heartfelt vocals, exuding kindness while remaining grounded in her portrayal of the classic character. Her stage presence was simultaneously attention grabbing and subtle, with each movement carrying character and emotion behind it. Right beside her throughout, leading man Zach Pacuraru (The Beast) conveyed emotional complexity rarely seen in high school theatre, blending immense rage with defeated sadness, before finally transitioning into the kind and gentle person that he truly was at heart.

As main antagonist Gaston, Aden Dubin brought his A game, infusing every scene and song with the unbridled ego of a man who genuinely believes that the world revolves around him, generating a larger than life character to wildly entertaining results. Serving as the backbone of the show were the servants of the Beast's castle, whose chemistry was unparalleled, delivering quips and interactions with a clean and polished vigor.

Propelling the musical numbers and electric character moments to an even greater quality were the technological feats, which went off without a hitch, seamlessly transporting the audience. Whether it be the magnificent costume work from designers Maryjanet McNamara and Heather Willever-Farr, or the superb lighting work, which brought genuine fear through deep blood reds, particularly in show-stopping number "The Mob Song," all helped to round out the show into something truly special.

Packed with charm, cheer, and abundant joy, Jenkintown's Beauty and the Beast stands as a poignant reminder, proving to the audience that while the show is a sight to behold, the heart that lies within might be even more magical.

Lindsey Keller
Upper Merion Area High School
Submitted for publication to WordPress Site and Cappies Page

"No Matter What" song or dance Jenkintown's "Beauty and the Beast" is performing, you will certainly be dancing in your seat. The classic story was brought to life on Jenkintown's stage this weekend.

After an enchantress cursed a prince and his castle, the beast and his furniture friends are isolated deep in the woods with a curse that can only be broke with true love. Years later, Belle comes to the Beast's castle to save her trapped father and makes an ultimatum; take me for him. In her village, Gaston hears of Belle's circumstances and starts to rally the town against the beast. In a race against time, and a mob, the Beast's final chance at true love to break the age-old curse is resting on the shoulders of the Beauty, Belle.

With simple choreography, Jenkintown's cast filled the stage throughout the show with infectious energy and bold facial expressions. The actors surprised the audience while occasionally appearing throughout the aisles during group numbers like "Be Our Guest."

In numbers like "A Change in Me" and "Is this Home?" Drozd portrayed Belle's elegant and gentle nature to a T. While accompanying the Beauty, Zach Pacuraru encapsulated the Beast's energy in his furry yet powerful stage presence. With his booming voice and hunched frame, Pacuraru had bold expressions throughout his scenes and numbers like "How Long Must this Go On?" As they waltzed around the stage, the pair extended their love story to all corners of the theater.

The supporting roles of the show gave the performance its spunk. Most notably, the iconic pair of Cogsworth, played by Daniel Gifford, and Lumiere, played by Merrick Mangan, had the audience giggling at all of their silly interactions. Other castle members like Mrs. Potts, played by Celia Defazio, and Madam de la Grande Bouche, played by Charlotte Steinhauer, performed with quirky elegance. The ensemble filled the theater with their volume and strong personality.

The Beast's backstory was told through windows at the back of the stage as shadowed silhouettes performed. Small points of effective lighting, like red flashes or blue tones, soon followed in the performance. The costumes were so elegant that even the dancing spoons had glitter while Gaston's flexing muscles and the furniture's classic updos did not disappoint.

Jenkintown's production of "Beauty and the Beast" was nothing like any other. The audience's love of the show alone could break the Beast's curse.

Meg Matsukawa
Academy of the New Church
Submitted for publication to Cappies Page

"Give five hurrahs, give twelve hip-hips" for Jenkintown Middle/High School's production of "Beauty and the Beast," where the "tale as old as time" soared to new heights of hope, heartbreak, and home.

Based on the classic fairy tale and adapted from Disney's 1991 film, "Beauty and the Beast" premiered on Broadway in 1994. The production ran for thirteen years, as the timeless tale became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, cementing its place in the hearts of millions. Despite its storied legacy, Jenkintown Middle/High School managed to transform the tale into their own unique rendition.

The show was filled with many strong individuals, but it was truly the energy of the ensemble that allowed the production to blossom. Transforming from judgmental townsfolk to dancing dishware, they painted a backdrop to the enchanting tale with ease. From the ensembles' eager faces to the ornate costumes and ambient lighting, every detail of Jenkintown's "Beauty and the Beast" left the audience captivated.

With a beautiful and enchanting voice, Jackie Drozd brought her own interpretation to Belle, taking on the challenge of the beloved heroine. Zachary Pacuraru pulled the audience into Beast's torment, masterfully conveying the pitfalls of pride. Gaston, played by Aden Dubin, commanded the stage with his performance, every nuanced expression and dramatic shout bringing the colorful character to life.

Tying the show together were the castle characters, whose comedic relief and beautiful harmonies enthralled the audience. Lumiere and Cogsworth, played by Merrick Mangan and Daniel Gifford, were a dynamic duo with unparalleled chemistry and brilliant acting. Celia Defazio took on the role of Mrs. Potts, dazzling the stage with her rendition of the "Beauty and the Beast." Amongst the provincial townsfolk, the Silly Girls lead the ensemble with strong vocals and infectious energy, adding a hilarious touch to the production.

With many fast scene changes, the Jenkintown stage managers and crew navigated from forests, taverns, and castles with admirable ease. The lighting team excellently handled cues and spotlights, using the apparatus to add drama and sorrow, weaving a narrative of their own. Despite a few sound issues, the difficulty of having multiple body microphones was handled with ease and ability.

Even as the last petals fell on Jenkintown Middle/High School's memorable production of Beauty and the Beast, the enchanting feelings of home and happiness remained as "certain as the sun."

Kaylee Rogers
Interboro High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies Page

Over at Jenkintown Middle/High School, they conveyed a charming production of "Beauty and the Beast".

The "Beauty and the Beast" first dates back to 1740 in France and was written by Gabrielle Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. Although Villeneuve's version was very successful, it isn't the version we are familiar with today. The version of "Beauty and the Beast" we are familiar with, was published in 1757 by Jeanne Marie Leprince de Beaumont and was the first ever English version. In 1991, Disney translated the story of "Beauty and the Beast" into an animated film and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "Beauty and the Beast" first appeared on Broadway in 1994 at the El Capitan Theater, adding six new original songs to the soundtrack.

Jenkintown Middle/High School skillfully produced this very difficult show, and the cast and crew did a terrific job putting all of the intricate pieces together. A particular highlight was "Mob Song," which isn't the most recognizable song in "Beauty and the Beast," however in this production it shone because of its fantastic emotions and powerful vocals from the ensemble.

Because of the Beast's mysterious and misunderstood personality, his character is one of the toughest to execute in the show, but Zach Pacuraru conveyed his character well. As soon as Pacuraru walked on stage, he exuded the anger and mystery that the character of the Beast carries. Pacuraru never fell out of character and never allowed his energy to fall either.

The supporting characters were each amazing in their own right, but Daniel Gifford, who played Cogsworth, and Celia Defazio, who played Mrs. Potts, stood out among the rest. Gifford, who played Cogsworth, gave a fantastic performance of this witty and anxious character. Gifford had the whole audience in hysterics with his execution of his lines and actions as Cogsworth. Celia Defazio, who played Mrs. Potts, was a joy to watch onstage. She always commanded the audience's attention with her beautiful singing voice and motherly presence.

Jenkintown Middle/High School had a splendid execution of Beauty and the Beast's technical elements. Although the lighting was simple for most of the show, the touches of red lighting when something dramatic was happening changed the tone of the scene and the mood of the audience. The set was very beautiful, but because of its large size, it compacted the cast in large numbers like "Belle" and "Be Our Guest." The stage crew at Jenkintown Middle/High School were clearly very well rehearsed and knew what they were doing at all times because of their speedy and smooth scene changes.

In total, Jenkintown Middle/High School pulled off a wonderful production of "Beauty and the Beast" with amazing directing, casting, and excitement to boot.