Be enchanted by NC's 'Beauty and the Beast'
NEWARK - When Lauren Riggleman tells people she's playing Belle in Newark Catholic High School's production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," those young and old get excited.
"Disney makes everyone happy," she said.
Riggleman, who is a junior, said it's surreal to play a character she grew up loving, having identified with Belle's love of reading.
"I love that she is very strong and kind of her own person and not like a damsel in distress," she said.
It's not by chance that Riggleman identifies with her character. Dennis Moore, Newark Catholic’s music teacher and the show’s director, said he picks the musical each year based on the skills and talents of the students who participate.
"I always try to pick my shows based on who I know I have, and then if I have some surprises, which I do every year, then lucky us," he said.
Moore said said he also picked "Beauty and the Beast," which will be performed Friday and Saturday at the Midland Theatre, because it's been 10 years since he's selected a Disney musical and he wanted to do a lighter show after the school did "West Side Story" and "Fiddler on the Roof" in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Newark Catholic does not have an auditorium, which is why the show is at the Midland. But not having an auditorium makes practices difficult. In previous years, students have rehearsed in the school's gym, auxiliary gym, cafeteria or wherever there was space, Moore said. For the last two years, the students have been able to use The Landing, the event space previously known as the Grotto on Waterworks Road, as a practice space. The Landing is owned by the parents of Steven Hitchens, who plays Beast.
"It’s still not what other schools get, but it’s a step in the right direction for us," Moore said.
Although the practices have had a permanent home, much of the show still has to be tweaked and adjusted once students get into the performance space, which is only five days before the show opens.
"That speaks so highly of our students," he said. "I’m not sure how many other schools could do that and pull it off in a week."
Moore said he is grateful to all the parents, students, school staff and faculty, musicians, and stage crew who give countless hours to help the production get to opening night.
"Honestly, it just takes a village of people to put on a show," he said.
People should come, Moore said, because it’s a great family show.
"There’s not many shows out there that they whole family can enjoy, and this is definitely one," he said.
Moore is proud of the way the drama program has grown in his more than 10 years with the school and that Newark Catholic is no longer known just for sports.
"We’re giving other kids outlets to really shine," he said.
Hitchens, a senior, said Moore is passionate about music and theater and is supportive of his students.
Hitchens said it was an accident that he ended up in Moore’s class his sophomore year, but after Moore heard him sing for the first time, he convinced Hitchens to be in school productions. Last year, he played Tony in the school's production of "West Side Story."
"He encouraged me to, and ever since then, I’ve loved it," Hitchens said. "He’s really, I think, a good force to have.”
Riggleman said the performers, crew and musicians have put a lot of hard work into the show and would appreciate people who attend.
"I hope that we can just bring the magic of Disney and what is 'Beauty and the Beast' to anyone who comes and sees the show," she said.
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If you go
What: "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: The Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Place, Newark
FYI: Tickets cost $15 each. They can be purchased at the door or in advance by going to Newark Catholic High School, located at 1 Green Wave Drive, or calling the school at 740-344-3594 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.