Newport High School’s musical season is back again with another Broadway production. As always, choosing the right musical is key and the directors finally settled on a classic – Beauty and the Beast. “…I was telling all the kids reasons why we can’t do this particular musical and realized that it would actually work this year,” claims Mrs. Rebecca Wiles, middle and high school music teacher and musical co-director.
This musical caught the attention of many talented students as 18 more students will participate in this year’s musical, a huge leap from the previous two years.
This musical has many lead roles, so long-time veterans and upcoming underclassmen are stepping up this year. Senior Zachary Bellis, who played Brit in We Will Rock You and Davey in Newsies, will play the titular Beast this year. Senior Jordan Knouse, who played Scaramouche last year and Katherine a year prior, will be playing Belle. Other known faces, such as senior Lillie Shull, sophomores Riley Babski and Hannah Mallonee, and many others have moved up to take important character roles.
The cast is glad to be performing this classic musical. “I am excited for this year’s musical,” said Babski. “All of the cast is working hard and is shaping up this year to be spectacular.”
The older cast is very happy to end their musical careers with a classic piece. “I’m so excited to work on this musical with all the people we had [try] out this year,” said Bellis. “Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorites and I know I’m working hard, as is everyone else, to make it the best it can be.”
Co-director and elementary school music teacher Mrs. Finnerty, who chose the musical along with co-director and middle and high school music teacher Mrs. Wiles, explained, “It was a good fit for the kids we have, and [it’s] a fan favorite.” The department attempted this same production in 2007 during the renovation with shows presented in the current middle school gym.
The musical will debut on Thursday, Mar. 7 at 7:00 pm, with two more shows on Friday and Saturday at the same time. The doors will open half an hour before the curtains open. Ticket prices and pre-purchasing will be available closer to opening night. All information about the musical can be found on the journalism Instagram or Twitter page.
