Behind-the-scenes magic brings 'Beauty and the Beast' to life at Leon High School
“Bit by bit, putting it together. Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art.”
These lyrics, from the musical “Sunday in the Park with George” were written by the late Stephen Sondheim, one of the world’s greatest composers, songwriters, and lyricists, and it is this verse that I hum every time I begin to work on a show.
“Every moment makes a contribution. Every little detail plays a part.”
The Leon Choral Department is currently in rehearsal for their summer musical, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The art of making art, in this case the family favorite musical based on “a tale as old as time,” is truly on display behind the scenes.
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Many in the audience don’t realize that the number of people involved behind the scenes on any show often far outnumber those who are on the actual stage. And that’s the magic, mystery, and intrigue of live theater.
But, these individuals are often glossed over, slipping in and out of the theater shadows as they build intricate sets, design fantastic lights, construct stunning costumes, design stunning wigs, create spectacular head hats, rehearse with and perform as an orchestra, move set pieces and curtains, iron and organize costumes…. never getting a curtain call.
Cast of 47, crew of 100
Without these talented men and women, professionals of the highest caliber, there would be no show. They take the vision and create the solution.
“Having just a vision’s no solution. Everything depends on execution. “
The cast of actors in Leon’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” is quite large at 47, but the behind the scenes’ crew, numbers close to 100.
Four months before the production began, directors sat down with the set designer, Casey Blanton; and the costumers, Linda Bulecza, Syd Hockett, Machelle Thompson and Wanda Tillman; to begin to bring the vision of the director (Robert Stuart), music director (Tabitha Peck) and choreographer (Anna Norris) to life.
From there, work began. Claudia Dew, the Wardrobe Mistress, began organizing the costume closet to pull costumes that could be used. Props were constructed and culled. Luckily Tallahassee has a supportive theatre scene, and our local theatres loan out items that can be used and shared.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” takes place in a mid-1700s French village. Belle, the endearing, head strong heroine, calls it “provincial.” Our village is anything but!
Volunteers and a student orchestra
The sophisticated skills of our parents and volunteers are unmatched as they have whole heartedly and willingly stepped up to help build the set, sew costumes, help with publicity, and to gather materials that can be used in set construction.
It’s true…it does take a village.
Under coordination of Lee Commander, the orchestra is composed of students, and without these talented individuals, we would have no musical! They put in hours rehearsing and are as committed to the production as anyone performing on the stage.
And our backstage crew, guided by Stage Manager, Hannah Douglas, a Leon High graduate herself, oversee changing scenery, lighting, and special effects. They create the seamless flow we all need to bring the musical to the stage.
“Putting it together. That’s what counts”.
So, the next time you go to a show, be it a play or a musical, know that the magic on stage is due to the hard work, passion, talent and camaraderie of actors, staff, musicians, crew, designers, supporters, volunteers and of course, you, the audience.
Because in the art of making art, the creative process is what counts.
Don’t miss the Leon High School Choral Department’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” July 8-17 in the historic Leon High Performing Arts Theatre. For tickets visit leonchorus.com.
If you go
What: Leon High Choral Department presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
When: July 8-17, 2022; 7 p.m. July 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. July 10, 17. There will be a Special Preview night on July 7 - $10 all seats ($1.50 fee for online purchasing) or free for advertisers. Purchase tickets: leonchorus.com
Where: Leon High School Performing Arts Theatre; 550 East Tennessee St.
Tickets: $15.75 for all seats, all ages. Tickets can be purchased beginning June 13 at leonchorus.com. All seats reserved. Tickets may be purchased at the door with cash, check or credit card, but seats are not able to be chosen in person at the door.
Robert A. Stuart is the director of Leon High School’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon High Choral Department presents Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'
