A tale as old as time

The cast of Lynbrook High School’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” played to a packed house on the weekend of Nov. 20, bringing this enchanting French tale to life with solid acting, strong vocals, and colorful sets and costumes.

The story of Beauty and the Beast, first told by French novelist Jeanne-Marie de Beaumont in his 1756 fairy tale, was introduced to a whole new generation when Disney Studios released its animated musical version in 1991, followed by its Broadway debut in 1994.

As the curtain opens, we meet Belle, played by Leah Elefante, a bookworm who finds herself at odds with her provincial life. Constantly fending off the affections of the conceited Gaston, played by Luke Zelanka, Belle dreams of a life beyond her village. Her dream is realized in a twisted turn of events when her father, Maurice (Gabe Ajzenman), becomes lost in the woods and stumbles upon the enchanted castle of Prince Adam (Andrew Marrandino). The arrogant prince was cursed by an enchantress, who turned him into a hideous beast and turned his servant, Lumiere (Max Cohen), into a candelabra, Cogsworth (Sean Gribbin) into a clock, Mrs. Potts (Nicole Bien) into a teapot and her son, Chip (Dylan Fischetto), into a cup. The spell could only be broken if the prince learned to love and be loved in return.

When Belle heads out in search of her father, she finds him imprisoned in the Beast’s dungeon and offers to change places with her father. At first, Belle views the prince as nothing more than a hideous, ill-mannered monster, and he views her as difficult and stubborn. As time passes, they come to appreciate one another, and a romance blooms. When Gaston learns about Belle’s affection for the Beast, he rallies an angry mob to kill the creature. As the Beast lies dying, Belle expresses her love for him, magically breaking the spell and proving once again that love conquers all.

Kevin Harrington directed; the vocal director/assistant director was Barry Wyner; orchestral director, Joseph Pallotta and choreographer Tommie Gibbons. With art direction by Michael Kunz, sets from Plaza Theatricals, lighting design of Glen Davis and costume design of Barbara Kirby. Tara Bridges assisted with costumes.