This Weekend Beauty and the Beast!

Stellar Theater Group Brings Broadway to King George

Katrina Wynes has done it again. A treasure to King George County and especially the Drama Department at King George High School, Director Wynes and her long list of volunteers and talent have continually put together Broadway level shows for the community.

This Spring the Foxes took on the task of Disney’s Musical Production of Beauty and the Beast. As her insert letter in the program shows, no production of this size and quality goes without an intense amount of help and work. It did not disappoint.

The original story of Beauty and the Beast dates back to 1740 and a French writer named Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.  The Disney stage musical, originally directed by Robert Jess Roth premiered in 1994. The music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, and Book by Linda Woolverton are superb.

Over 150 students and countless adults pulled together a production for the record books. The sets were overwhelmingly impressive, the costumes even more so, and each piece of the technical work from sound to lighting was carefully crafted to perfection.

The real strength of the production showed through in the large dance numbers and the incredibly gifted work in stage blocking. The student's talent was beautifully highlighted in each Act with stage blocking that drew out dynamic acting and stage poise.

Wynes' ability to choreograph the use of the stage to engage the audience was apparent. Both the main characters and the ensemble brought energy to each scene of the show enchanting us all into the magic of the story. We were mesmerized as the orchestra, directed by Thompson Daniels, and singers, professionally led by Laura Roberts, led us through the “Tale As Old As Time.”

The main characters couldn’t be more perfectly chosen. Belle, the beauty of the show, played by Sarah Leonard, was impressive.  Her crystal clear lyrical tone, inner strength, and stamina were inspiring. Gaston, played by Grayson Bullock, kept us on our toes. His amazing stage presence, timing, and vocal abilities were far beyond his years. The Beast, played by Jeffery Gill, was worth the price of admission just to hear his gorgeous tenor voice open up and float through the whole theater to the back of the room.

The most fun was watching the interaction between the characters. LeFou, played by Zeke Taylor, was brilliant. John Hager, playing Father Maurice, was incredibly gifted in his character acting. The Candelabra, Clock, and Teapot trio were fantastic. They worked each scene and song masterfully. The on-stage chemistry of each duo was charming and delightful! So many deservedly talented elements of the show aren’t able to be mentioned but one has to leave room for surprises!

At the end of the night, the packed house gave a roaring standing ovation for a job well done and a night of theater the folks of King George County won’t soon forget. Be sure to get out this weekend 
to see it!

Make a night out with Dinner ($5) at 530pm (BBQ or Hot Dogs, Drink, Coleslaw, Beans, Chips and Cupcake).  I don’t think you can get a meal that delicious and big for $5 anywhere!

Show at 7pm. $5 for Dinner, $10 for Show. Children 6 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at Eventbrite.

3 dates left:
Thursday - Saturday
May 3-5, 2018  7pm  (Dinner starts at 5:30pm)

King George High School

10100 Foxes Way, King George Virginia.