WILutheranHS-BeautyAndTheBeast1stProof

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Presents the production of

Disney’s

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Music by

Alan Menke

Lyrics by

Book by

Howard Ashman Linda Wolverton & Tim Rice Originally Directed by

Robert Jess Roth Originally Produced by

Disney Theatrical Productions

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School 1

SYNOPSIS OF PLOT When a handsome but conceited prince treats a beggar woman poorly, the woman turns out to be a beautiful enchantress and transforms him into a hideous Beast and places a powerful spell on the castle and all who live there. The Enchantress leaves him with only a magic mirror to see the outside world, and a rose which is truly enchanted. The rose would bloom for many years, but if the Prince did not learn to love another, and earn another’s love in return before the last rose petal fell, the spell would remain unbroken, and he would remain a Beast forever.

Meanwhile in a nearby village, a beautiful young bookworm, Belle, feels lonely and out of place. She lives with her eccentric but kind father, Maurice. Soon, Maurice goes off to compete at an inventors’ fair but gets lost in the woods and ends up a prisoner at the Beast’s castle. Belle eventually finds the castle and makes a deal with the Beast to let her father go in return for her staying there with him. As the Beast’s inner kindness slowly reveals itself, Belle grows to love him. However, a jilted, self-centered and overly-masculine suitor from Belle’s village, Gaston, takes a posse to ‘save’ her from the Beast. Gaston ends up stabbing the Beast. The Beast collapses, dying from his wounds, and tells the weeping Belle that he is happy he got to see her one last time. When he falls silent, Belle thinks he is dead, and begins to sob, uttering, “I love you” just as the last petal of the rose falls. The Beast magically transforms back into the handsome Prince. Belle doesn’t recognize him at first, but soon looks into his eyes and knows her true love. They embrace as all of the servants are transformed back into their human forms, rejoicing that the spell has been broken. The Prince and his beauty prepare to live happily ever after.

CAST BABETTE....................................................................................................................................Abby Rasmussen BEAST............................................................................................................................................ Joshua Scheibe BELLE............................................................................................................................................ Emma Kolander CHIP.............................................................................................................................................. Christian Willick COGSWORTH................................................................................................................................Jacob Roberts GASTON......................................................................................................................................Nicholas Kressin LEFOU..............................................................................................................................................Joshua Grutza LUMIERE..............................................................................................................................................Josiah Ricke MADAME DE LA BOUCHE...................................................................................................... Myesha Bender MAURICE.............................................................................................................................................. Kyle Bartelt MONSIEUR D’ARQUE.................................................................................................................. Michael Jeske MRS. POTTS................................................................................................................................. Danielle Krause SILLY GIRL 1........................................................................................................................Katie Lynne Krueger SILLY GIRL 2...................................................................................................................................Liza Lehninger SILLY GIRL 3................................................................................................................................................Runa Yu ENCHANTRESS......................................................................................................................................Haley Nitz YOUNG PRINCE.................................................................................................................................Ethan Tellier NARRATOR...................................................................................................................................Joshua McNeill

TOW N S P E O P L E / C A S T L E S TA F F Emily Kassulke (Sausage Curl Girl) Bonnie Winslow (Lady with Cane; Caryatid) Marissa Krohn ( Pepper) Haley Nitz (Fork) Julie Kent (Milkmaid; Goblet) Rachel Sebald (Aristocratic Lady; Napkin 1) Haley Wachs (Napkin 3) Robyn Nygaard (Spoon) Shelly Telleir (Lady with Baby; Napkin 2) Lydia Buske (Caryatid) 2 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

Ethan Boese (Wolf, Dish) John Doll (Egg Man) Eli Midthun (Hat Seller;Dish) Joshua McNeill (Knife; Gaston Crony #1) Alex Vanissaveth (Shepherd Boy; Dish) Ethan Tellier (Dish) Winzel Kitzman-Kelley (Salt) Stephen Eick (Bookseller; Dish) Joel Sonntag (Baker) Eric Mielke (Fish Man; Gaston’s Crony #2)

SCENES

Act One Overture............................................................................................................................. Orchestra Prologue: Outside a castle.

Scene 1: Morning in a charming, provincial French village.

Belle................................................................................................................... Belle and Ensemble No Matter What........................................................................................................Maurice, Belle No Matter What Reprise.................................................................................................... Maurice Scene 2: The forest.

Wolf Chase #1................................................................................................................... Orchestra Scene 3: The castle interior, early evening.

Scene 4: The next morning in town.

Me.................................................................................................................................. Gaston, Belle Belle – Reprise.............................................................................................................................Belle Scene 5: That afternoon, the castle interior.

Is This Home................................................................................................................................Belle Is This Home – Tag............................................................................................................Mrs. Potts Scene 6: The tavern, that same afternoon.

Gaston............................................................................................LeFou, Gaston, Silly Girls, Men Gaston – Reprise...................................................................................................... Gaston, LeFou Scene 7: The castle interior around dinnertime.

How Long Must This Go On................................................................................................... Beast Be Our Guest.......................................................................Lumiere, Chip, Mrs. Potts, Ensemble If I Can’t Love Her..................................................................................................................... Beast

Act Two Entr’acte............................................................................................................................. Orchestra Scene 1: The Forest, Early Evening Wolf Chase #2................................................................................................................... Orchestra Scene 2: The castle interior.

Something There................................................ Belle, Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts Human Again...................................................................................................... Object Ensemble Scene 3: The Tavern, middle of the night Maison Des Lunes................................................................................... Gaston, LeFou, D’Arque Scene 4: The Beast’s Lair/West Wing, Late afternoon Beauty and the Beast.......................................................................................................Mrs. Potts If I Can’t Love Her – Reprise.................................................................................................... Beast Scene 5: The town, early evening A Change In Me..........................................................................................................................Belle Mob Song........................................................................................................... Gaston, Ensemble Scene 6: The Castle Interior, later that evening The Battle........................................................................................................................... Orchestra Is This Home – Reprise..............................................................................................................Belle Transformation/Finale............................................................................. Beast, Belle, Ensemble Bows and Exit Music....................................................................................................... Orchestra Wisconsin Lutheran High School 3

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director............................................................................................................. Gretchen A Schram Music Director......................................................................................... Sarah Fischer-Plamann Choreographers...................................................................... Dorothy Kulke and Toree Kahle Orchestra Director.............................................................................................. Jordan Beckman Production Manager.................................................................................................. Jean Strobel Technical Directors............................................................ Sean Floeter and Ben Hillesheim Set Design & Painting............................................................................................ Katie Neuman Set Construction.......................................................................Bruce Schram and Ray Stamm Dramaturge....................................................................................................Elizabeth Partenach Student Assistant Director................................................................................. Paul Buschkopf Student Production Manager..............................................................................Chelsea Miller Student Stage Manager........................................................................................ Joshua Quiroz Sign Painting.................................................................................................................... Shelly Fink Costume Design & Wardrobe Mistress...................................................................April Tellier Logo & T-Shirts...................................................................................................... Gail Wittenburg Ticket Sales........................................................................................Sharon Kneser, Karen Filter Special Thanks.............. Ken Michael’s Furniture, Action Specialists, Miller & Campbell Costume Service, Laurie Sullivan, Wisconsin Lutheran College and all those people who helped but we were unaware of at the printing of this program.

CREWS Pit Orchestra: Katie Walther - Flute/Piccolo; Emily Eggers – Flute/Piccolo; Philip Berger – Clarinet/Bass Clarinet; Jennifer Janczak – Oboe/English Horn; John Miller – Trumpet; Daniel Schroeder – Horn; Ben Mengel – Horn; Alex Wranovsky – Trombone/Tuba; Annmarie Steeves – Violin; Olivia Klein – Violin; Wesley Bonack – Violin; Elisha Bonack – Cello; Lucas Powers – Bass; Kevin Cook – Drum Set; Alyssa Mariscal – Auxiliary Percussion; Jessica Lembke – Piano/Synthesizer; Ben Kannenberg – Piano/Synthesizer.

Tech Crew: Xzonta Atterbury, Eric Baltutis, Ryan George, Troy Haefemeyer, Ashley Kreuser, and Leah Radde.

Painting Crew: Erin Malsack, Aubrey Koepke, Mrs. Carol Willick Set Construction Crew: Josh Quiroz, Alex Quiroz, Josh Koerner, Paul Buschkopf, Melissa Strobel, Bob Wiedenhoeft, Jessica Strobel, Zsavoir Hodnett, Hanna Blanchard, Joan Zastrow, Elizabeth Johnson, Aubrey Koepke, Jonathan Stamm, Joel Sonntag, Chelsea Miller, and Nathan Strobel Stage Crew: Josh Quiroz, Chelsea Miller, Bethany Kneser, Kyle Brightsman, Sam Unnasch, Elizabeth Johnson, and Ben Haferman.

Make-up Crew: Samantha Sardina (Co-Head), Kate Zabrowski (Co-Head), Chelsea Miller, Stephanie Grepo, Nicole Gawel, Marah Nitz, Hanna Blanchard.

Sewing Crew: Mrs. Valerie Sonntag, Betty Sorensen, Tammie Kassulke, Gail Wittenburg, Marjorie Flanagan, Kelie Krause, Marah Nitz, Runa Yu, DeSha Wilbern, Mimi Festerling and the Fashion Techniques 3 classes.

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BIOGR APHIES Joshua Scheibe (Beast) is a senior and has been seen in numerous productions at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. He has had roles in “The Butler Did It,”“Once Upon A Mattress,”“Pride and Prejudice,”“Hello Dolly,”“The Mouse that Roared,”“Crazy for You,” and “You Can’t Take it With You. His favorite line from “Beauty & the Beast” is “She’ll never see me as anything….but a monster.” Joshua would like to thank his family and friends for their support and God for His blessings.

Emma Kolander (Belle) is a junior and has participated in her share of theatrical productions. She appeared in “The Music Man” while in grade school and WLHS’s production of “Crazy For You.” Her favorite line in this production is “You’ll feel slightly nauseous….” Emma would like to thank all the marvelous directors for their hours of hard work, her friends and family for all their support, and the entire cast and crew!

(Especially Mrs. Tellier for the amazing costumes and Paul for being Paul J) Nicholas Kressin (Gaston) is a senior and appeared in musicals while in grade school. He is excited to be a part of the cast for “Beauty and the Beast.” He has had a lot of fun portraying Gaston and love the line, “So Belle, what’ll it be? Is it yes or is it …OH yes?” Nick would like to thank Mrs. Plamann and Mrs. Schram, his Mom and Dad, and his sister Loryn.

Joshua Grutza is a junior, and this is his first production at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. He has enjoyed getting to know his character LeFou and bringing him to life. Josh would like to thank God, his parents, the directors, the tech team, Mrs. Tellier for all the marvelous costumes, and everyone who donated props that helped make this production a reality.

Kyle Bartelt (Maurice) is a senior and enjoyed being part of the cast of “You Can’t Take It With You” so much that he wanted to be

part of the musical cast as well. He has found the task of bringing all of Maurice’s oddities to life exhilarating. His favorite line is, “Well, he was enormous!

He was at least eight…no, more like ten feet tall!” Kyle would like to give a special thanks to Aaron Kristopeit.

Abby Rasmussen (Babette) is a junior and is thrilled to be appearing in her first WLHS theatre production.

Her favorite line is “Come to me my little spark!” Abby would like to thank her family and friends, directors, the cast and crew, and of course “mis hovio!”

Jacob Roberts (Cogsworth) is a senior and was seen earlier this year as Grandpa in WLHS’s production of “You Can’t Take it With You.” He loves it when his character utters, “Not the kick line!” Jacob would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Rose, Gureta, Sensei Yorudan, Mrs. Schmal, and Charmaine.

Josiah Ricke (Lumiere) is a junior and enjoys getting the chance to perform in musicals. He was Barnaby in the WLHS production of “Hello Dolly!” and played Mingo in last year’s production of “Crazy For You!” The line that brings a huge smile to his face each time he hears it is, “You call this bacon?” Josiah would like to give a special thanks to Jesus, the directors, Batman, and everyone who helped make this production happen.

Myesha Bender (Madame De La Bouche) is a senior and although this is her first appearance in a WLHS production, she has appeared in an English version of the “Ugly Duckling” entitled “Hank.” She is involved in numerous athletic and fine arts activities and was the 2010 WLHS Homecoming Queen. Myesha would like to give special thanks to “her mommie.”

Michael Jeske (Monsieur D’Arque) is a junior and has appeared in the WLHS productions “The Mouse That Roared,”“Crazy for You,” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” Michael would like to thank his family and cousin Josiah.

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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Danielle Krause (Mrs. Potts) is a senior and has had major roles in the WLHS productions of “Pride and Prejudice,”“Hello Dolly,”“The Mouse that Roared,”“Crazy for You,” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” Her favorite line in this show is “Good! So….you fall in love with her, she falls in love with you and poof! The spell is broken!

We’ll be human again by midnight!”

Christian Willick (Chip) is an 8th grader at St. John’s Lutheran School in Wauwatosa. Christian is a member of the WLHS Grade School Band as well as the WLHS Children’s Choir. His favorite line is when his character asks, “Do I still have to sleep in the cupboard?” Christian would like to thank all who made this production so much fun for him to be a part of.

Katie Lynne Krueger (Silly Girl #1) is a senior and brings a wide experience of performing. She was seen in the WLHS productions “Once Upon a Mattress,”“Crazy for You,” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” Katie has also lent a hand in past productions on the make-up crew. Her favorite line in this show is “He’s such a tall, dark, strong, and handsome brute!”

Liza Lehninger (Silly Girl #2) is a sophomore and appeared in WLHS’s last musical “Crazy For You.” She is thankful for the opportunity to appear as a Silly Girl in this year’s production.

Runa Yu (Silly Girl #3) is a sophomore and has performed in the past in a play in China. She loves the song “Be Our Guest” and would like to thank all who gave her a chance to perform in this musical.

Joshua McNeill (Narrator/Knife/ Gaston’s Crony #1/Chorus) is a junior and loves performing. He has performed in the WLHS productions “Pride and Prejudice,”“Crazy for You,” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” His favorite line in this production is “That is terrible…I LOVE IT!” Joshua would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Jameson, and of course, Jesus.

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Ethan Boese (Wolf/Dish/Chorus) is a senior and sings in both the WLHS Chamber Choir and Wisco Kids. He has a great love for soccer and has been a member of the soccer team since his Freshman year. He loves to howl like a wolf in this production. He would like to thank all those who made this production a reality.

Eric Mielke (Fishman/Gaston’s Crony #2/Chorus) is a senior who is experiencing the theatre for the first time as an actor. He is glad he could be a part of this cast and has enjoyed working with all involved. His favorite line is when Chip yells, “CHARGE!” Eric would like to give special thanks to his parents.

Haley Nitz (Enchantress/Fork/Chorus) is a senior and began performing at a young age. She was seen in the productions “School House Rock,” High School Musical,”“Dear Edwina” while in grade school and also had roles in the WLHS productions “The Mouse that Roared,” and “Crazy for You.” Her favorite lines in Beauty and the Beast are “I mean look at me….”“He has a point!” Haley would like to thank all the friends who always encourage her.

Emily Kassulke (Sausage Curl Girl/ Chorus) is a senior and has not only appeared in a number of WLHS productions but helped behind the scenes as well. She had roles in “The Butler Did It,”“Hello Dolly,” and “The Mouse That Roared” and was on the stage crew for “Pride and Prejudice” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” Her favorite line in this show is when Chip says, “I have a funny feeling inside. I don’t know what it is, but it makes me feel kind of bubbly.” Emily would like to thank the awesome directors, cast, and crew.”

Marissa Krohn (Pepper Shaker/Chorus) is a junior and happy to be part of the cast. She performed in a number of roles while in grade school. She enjoys all the lines in this musical and would like to thank all those who made this performance come to life.

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Shelly Tellier (Lady with Baby/ Napkin/Chorus) is junior and is happy to be performing in her first theatrical production. She loves her only line in the whole show, “Is he dangerous?” Shelly would like to thank her mother for always being there for her and feeding her so she can come to practice with a full belly!

John Doll (Eggman/Chorus) is a junior and has performed in two WLHS drama productions and one previous musical. He is glad to be a part of Beauty and the Beast and his favorite line is “Flabby, fat, and lazy you walked in and whoops-a-daisy!” John would like to thank all the people who helped put the show together, but also specifically, Mrs. Schram, for all the time and effort she puts in to make something like this happen.

Stephen Eick (Bookseller/Candlestick/ Chorus) is a senior and has gained experience as an actor by performing in “Crazy for You,” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” Stephen would like to thank the stage and tech crews because ultimately, they are the ones who make the show complete.

Julie Kent (Milkmaid/Goblet/Chorus) is a senior and has been in a musical each of her four years here. She appeared in “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “Crazy For You.” She loves the song “Be Our Guest” and especially the phrase, “Try the gray stuff it’s delicious!” She would like to give thanks to her mommy dearest!

Lydia Buske (caryatid/chorus) is a junior at WLHS and has been seen previously in the productions “The Mouse That Roared” and “You Can’t Take it With You.” She is excited and happy to be part of the musical cast this year.

Rachel Sebald (Aristocratic Lady/ Napkin) is a junior and is excited to be part of this cast and in her first WLHS production. She was in drama productions while in grade school so is no stranger to the stage. She

would like to thank everyone who is a part of the staff, cast, and crew of this marvelous production.

Joel Sonntag (Baker/Chorus) is a junior and was seen in “Hello Dolly” and “Crazy for You.” His favorite line in this production is “You call this bacon?” Joel would like to thank Jesus, Mrs. Schram, and Mr. Natzke.

Haley Wachs (Napkin, Chorus) is a junior at WLHS. She was Sydney in “Tom Sawyer” in grade school and is enjoying being in her first high school production. She loves all the lines in “Beauty and the Beast” because it is such a great show.

Haley would like to thank all the cast and crew who made it possible for this amazing show to go on!

Alex Vanissaveth (Shepherd/Chorus/ Dish) is a junior and loves being part of musical theatre productions. He was a cast member in the WLHS production “Crazy for You.” He enjoys the banter between Babette and Lumiere especially when they say, “Oh no! Oh yes! Oh no!” Alex would like to thank all of the directors for their hard work.

Winzel Kitzman-Kelley (Salt Shaker/ Chorus/Hunter) is a sophomore and is glad to get on stage in this musical. He was a valuable member of the stage crew during “Crazy for You.” His favorite line is “You call this bacon?”

Winzel would like to thank his awesome partner, the pepper shaker.

Eli Midthun (Hat Seller/Dish/Chorus) is a freshman at WLHS but has quite a bit of experience when it comes to theatrical productions. He had leads in many of his grade school plays and musicals. His favorite line in this musical is “You call this bacon?” Eli would like to give special thanks to his parents for their love and support.

Robyn Nygaard (Spoon/Chorus) is a freshman at WLHS and has gained theatre experience in her grade school musicals. She is very excited to be

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) in her first high school musical and loves the line “You call this bacon?”

Robyn would like to give special thanks to her parents for driving her to and from school for practices.

Ethan Tellier (Young Prince/Dish/ Chorus) is a freshman at WLHS and is happy to be part of the cast in “Beauty and the Beast.” He has performed previously in musicals while in grade school. “You call this bacon?” is his favorite line in this show. He would like to give special thanks to Jesus.

Bonnie Winslow (Lady with Cane/ caryatid) is a Freshman this year but has appeared on the stage before in her grade school’s family night.

She is happy to be a part of this musical production and is enjoying meeting new people as a result.

Paul Buschkopf (Student Assistant to the Director) is a senior and has not only been a member of the cast in past dramas and musicals, but a valuable member of various tech teams. He would pitch in and help wherever he was needed. His favorite line in “Beauty and the Beast” is “Good show, everyone! Good show! Well done! Well done! Oh my goodness, look at the time….off to bed!”

Kate Zabrowski (Make-Up Crew Co-Head) is a senior and has been part of casts and crews in past musical and drama productions. When she wasn’t dancing her way across stage she was making the cast presentable by putting on their make-up. Her favorite line of this show is “every last inch of me is covered with hair!” Kate would like to thank her family, Dad, Mom, and Grandma; as well as Mrs. Schram and Mrs. Strobel for seeing her potential.

Samantha Sardina (Make-up Crew Co-Head) is a senior and has been on the make-up crew for countless productions at WLHS. Her specialty is making the cast look beautiful. Sam

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loves Gaston’s line that says, “Look, I’ve got my heart set on marrying Belle, but she needs a little... persuasion.”

Joshua Quiroz (Stage Crew Head) is a senior and was part of the stage crew for the productions of “Hello, Dolly!” and “Crazy For You!” His ability to think clearly and stay calm under stress makes him a very valuable member of any crew he is part of. He enjoys when Cogsworth screams, “No, no, no!

Not the kickline!” Joshua would like to thank Mrs. Strobel and Troubadour.

Chelsea Miller (Student Assistant to the Production Manager) is a senior and is very happy being a major force behind the scenes. She has been a member of the stage crew for all the musicals presented during her years at WLHS. She loves Chips line, “Will I ever get to be a boy again?” Chelsea would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Strobel and Mrs. Schram.

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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Kelie Krause (Student Assistant to the Costume Mistress) is a freshman and has been blessed with an amazing amount of sewing skill. She is responsible for Belle’s lovely pink dress as well as the yellow dress.

car for the title song. Ashman never stopped composing songs. He even turned out more songs for a third Disney animated musical, Aladdin (1992), before his death from a terminal illness on March 14, 1991, at the age of 40.

Alan Menken (Music) is a multi-award winning film and theatrical composer and pianist, born in New York in 1949.He made his theatrical debut with God Bless You, Mr Rosewater in 1979, although he had more success with the follow-up, Little Shop of Horrors. His score earned him an Academy Award nomination, and later was adapted for the film which starred Steve Martin and Rick Moranis.He went on to have success as a lyricist, composer and director on works including King David, Sister Act the Musical (based on the Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name) and Beauty and the Beast, for which he received Tony and Drama Desk award nominations.In addition to his work for the theatre, he has also composed music for major animated films including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, all of which have earned him Academy Awards.

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Tim Rice (Lyrics) A prolific lyricist and librettist, Tim Rice was born in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in the fall of 1944. Rice pursued his university education at Lancing College and briefly at l’Universite de Paris - Sorbonne. He was considering a legal career around the time that he met Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1965. Three years later, the two young men composed a 20-minute pop oratorio that would eventually become ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’

Remaining in partnership with Webber, his next project was ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Introduced to the public as a concept album in 1970, the opera propelled Rice and Webber to international stardom. Staged versions appeared the following year, and their popularity led to the film Jesus Christ Superstar (1973).

Following ‘Superstar’, Rice and Webber returned to their previous project and expanded it into (more or less) its finalised form. The concept album for ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ was released in 1974.The Rice-Webber collaboration produced Howard Ashman (Lyrics) a third opera, called ‘Evita’. Its concept A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Ashalbum was released in 1976. man moved to New York City in 1974 Rice continued on with a piece called and began writing plays while work‘Blondel’, which appeared in 1983. Set ing as an editor in a publishing house. to music by Stephen Oliver, ‘Blondel’ His work attracted attention and he was arguably the most comic and witty became WPA Theatre’s artist director of Rice’s major works. The opera ‘Chess’ in 1977. In 1982, Ashman collaborated followed, with its concept album arrivwith composer Alan Menken on the ing in 1984. Former ABBA songwriters musical “Little Shop of Horrors”, one of ‘Bjorn Ulvaeus’ and Benny Andersson off-Broadway’s highest-grossing musiprovided the music for ‘Chess’, and the cals. The team of Ashman and Menken concept album was an international hit. shifted their focus to movies, creat‘Chess’ was staged in London in 1986 ing some of the songs for The Little with great success, but the 1988 BroadMermaid (1989). One of them, “Under way production was radically revised the Sea”, won an Oscar in 1989 for best without Rice’s knowledge or permissong. Ashman then wrote the lyrics sion, and it was quickly shut down. for the songs in the Disney animated In 1991, he was hired to finish the lyrics musical hit Beauty and the Beast (1991), for the Walt Disney film Aladdin (1992). and he and Menken won another OsDisney subsequently teamed him with Wisconsin Lutheran High School 9

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Elton John for The Lion King (1994). Rice also composed additional lyrics for the stage version of Disney’s film Beauty and the Beast (1991), which opened on Broadway in 1994. A stage version of The Lion King (1994) opened on Broadway in 1997, as he was working with Elton John on two new projects - ‘Aida’, which opened on Broadway in 2000, and the Dreamworks film The Road to El Dorado (2000).

Apart from theatre and film, Rice has written recurring columns for UK newspapers, as well as having shown up regularly on BBC Radio and Television.

animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Woolverton also co-wrote the script for The Lion King (1994) and Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993). She also adapted the script of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ for the stage, which opened to critical acclaim on Broadway in Spring 1994, and was later nominated for a Tony Award for Best Book in a Musical.

She also wrote the book for Disney’s third Broadway production ‘Aida.’

IMDb Mini Biography By: Brett Walter Music Theatre International (MTI) Linda Woolverton (Book) is one of the world’s leading dramatic Linda Woolverton was born in Long licensing agencies, granting schools Beach, California, graduating from high as well as amateur and professional school in 1969 and having been an theatres from around the world the honors student in her schools theater rights to perform the largest selection program. She enrolled at California of great musicals from Broadway and State University, Long Beach, graduatbeyond. MTI works directly with the ing with a BFA in Theater Arts in 1973. composers, lyricists and book writShe worked full-time for a year in the ers of these shows to provide official entertainment division at Disneyland, scripts, musical materials and dynamic and began working toward her Masters theatrical resources to over 60,000 Degree in Theater for Children at Calitheatrical organizations in the US fornia State Fullerton, while working as and in over 60 countries worldwide. a substitute teacher.

MTI is particularly dedicated to the Upon the completion of her Masters idea of theatre as education and has Degree in 1976, she formed her own created special collections for younger children’s theater company. She wrote, performers. The MTI Broadway Judirected and performed all over Calinior Collection® includes “JR.” titles, fornia in churches, malls, schools, and 60-minute musicals for performance local theaters. She also began in 1979, by middle school children; and to work as a coach to children acting in “KIDS” titles, 30-minute musicals for commercials. In 1980 she began workperformance by elementary school ing as a development executive for CBS, children. MTI School Editions™ concentrating on both children’s and are musicals that have been anlate-night programming. notated for performance by high In 1984 she began working as a chilschool students, and the Theatre For dren’s television writer, penning scripts Young Audiences (TYA) Collection for shows such as “Ewoks” (1985), _”Real are 70-minute musicals designed Ghostbusters, The” (1986)_, ‘Alvin and for adults to perform for children. the Chipmunks’ and ‘Ducktales’. She also had two young adult novels published: ‘Starwind’ and ‘Running Before the Wind’.

When one of her novels caught the attention of a Disney executive, she was hired to write the script for the animated motion picture Beauty and the Beast (1991). Upon its release in 1991, Beauty and the Beast became the first 10 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

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