‘Beauty and the Beast’ wows audiences

By kAtE hill Staff writer

This past weekend, the Cazenovia High School (CHS) Drama Club presented an enchanting production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

The show debuted on March 9, with an evening performance on March 10 and two additional shows on March 11.

The timeless story tells of Belle, a young woman in a small, provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince whose lack of compassion has trapped him in a spell placed by an enchantress.

If the Beast can learn to love and to be loved, the spell will be broken, and he will be transformed back into his former self. But time is running out, and if he doesn’t learn his lesson, he and his household will be doomed for eternity.

Under the direction of CHS Choral Music Teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair Maggie Dougherty and Maureen Carroll, the CHS Drama Club delivered an outstanding take on the “tale as old as time” with exceptional lead vocal performances and acting, well-choreographed dance numbers, impressive costumes, and a talented pit orchestra.

The production starred Ilsa Denton as Belle, Ethan Coburn as the Beast, Elijah Gebers as Lumière, Maren Smith as Babette, Corinne Albicker as Mrs. Potts, Jack Coburn as Cogsworth, JP Hoak as Gaston, Dylan Shepard as LeFou, Bonnie Pittman as Madame de la Grande Bouche, William Ossont as Maurice, and Bridget Dougherty as Chip.

“Musicals allow a unique opportunity for students to come together and showcase their talents in a collaborative and creative environment,” said Dougherty. “It’s not just about putting on a show but fostering a sense of community, teamwork, and self-expression. We have over 70 students working on this production, more than any club or sports team in the district. It has been extremely rewarding to see their hard work and dedication come to fruition.”

Cast Elijah Gebers, Connor Hopper, Lucy Hagan, Ilsa Denton, JP Hoak, Dylan Shepard, William Ossont, Bryce Odessa, Ella Salzman, Maeve Kelly, Eliza Smith, Cadence Walter, Ethan Coburn, Jack Coburn, Maren Smith, Corinne Albicker, Bridget Dougherty, Bonnie Pittman, Kate Odell, Olivia Wong, Marilyn Crouch, Jacob Gentner, Meghan Mehlbaum, Olivia Morse, Molly Wilcox, Avery Cattadoris, Bel Lazarsky, Becca Brooks, Paige Reilley, Rae Western, Abby Falso, Alayna Berson, Ryan Belden, Moth Friedman, Hailey Jennings, Amelia Uzcategui, Reisa Komaru, Ella Blair, and Maddie Caraher.