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‘Beauty & the Beast’ reaches for the stars
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments What does it take to produce a Disney Broadway musical? 
“Dedication to producing the highest quality show which you are capable,” said Teri Richardson, who is in charge of the “Beauty & the Beast” show scheduled for later this month and into May. “There’s a higher expectation.”
Richardson, a homemaker and mother of two, has previously directed four musicals for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church in Bakersfield: “Music Man,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oliver.”
“This has been one of the most difficult musicals I have done by far,” said Richardson, “but the most rewarding!”
The cast of 70 members and non-members ages 12 to senior citizens were invited to try out in January. They committed to three weekly practices and seven performances. 
“This is the best cast-package I’ve ever had and I love working with them!” Richardson said. 
Performances are April 28 and 29 and May 4, 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and April 29 and May 6 at  2 p.m. at 2801 South Real Road at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
Two local Realtors headline the cast. 
Aimee Nolan is cast as the petite, strong-willed Belle, and Russ Allred convincingly portrays the transformation of a spoiled, cursed beast to a penitent human.
Arvin High School History teacher Ben Keller gives a strong performance in the role of the conniving and egotistical Gaston. 
The supporting case of Kyle Tillet as LeFou; Claudia Worley playing Mrs. Pott’s; and Mark Richardson as Lumiere bring a Broadway quality to the show. (If you don’t believe me, ask the dishes!)
Richardson and co-director Suzanne Kinnison began preparations last year with a trip to New York to see the musical. 
“We tried to make this show as close to the one you would see on Broadway as possible,” Richardson said.  
Fourteen different background drops depicting an enchanted forest, a bar scene with singing deer and a quaint country French village were painted by art major Cliff Childs and Janna Kinnison. 
“I enjoyed the artist challenge of creating each scene,” Childs said. “My favorite is the castle doors.” 
A 30-foot high castle facade complete with balconies, spiral stairways and turrets extend from each side of the stage into the audience.
Before the play even begins, the audience will feel something special is about to happen.
The design of 197 costumes plus 40 hairpieces was the responsibility of Kinnison.
Under her direction, volunteers sewed, sculpted, welded, sanded and painted the costumes.
“The enchanted objects were the most fun,” she said. 
Kinnison scoured home improvement stores, local discount stores and the L.A. garment district for just the right fabrics and items. Foam, wire, sonatubes, plastic molding, harnesses, bolts and lots of glitter were used. 
The dancing forks, knives, spoons, whirling whisks and brooms, spinning plates and a flying enchantress will dazzle the audience. 
“I love being a dancing napkin,” says 15-year-old BHS freshman Cassie Sorensen. “My costume is so cool!”
Dana Kinnison, local public defender, provided Disney’s musical magic. He recorded 16 instruments’ scores into a synthesizer, creating a full orchestra sound effect. 
One highlight of the show is Kinnison’s arrangement of a hip-hop style, mega mix jingle. 
“The audience will be on their feet singing and dancing with the cast when they hear the mega mix,” he predicted.
During rehearsals, cast members helped each other with homework, developed new friendships and learned theatrical techniques such as blocking, projection and character interpretation.

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