Katelyn Woods, Elena Kivinen, and Jonathan Anderson
Grade 6, Howick Elementary School
The gym at Howick Elementary was filled with family and friends on April 11 for the spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast put on by cycle three performing arts students.
The classic story focuses on Belle (played by Katelyn Woods), who lives in a provincial town. She rescues her father from an enchanted castle, where she meets and falls in love with the Beast (Elena Kivinen). Belle also meets the castle staff, including Lumière (Loïc Trépanier), Cogsworth (Coby Massy), Mrs. Potts (Gianna Bourdon) and her son Chip (Grace Morison), as well as wardrobe, Madame de la Grande Bouche (Peyton Brown).
While this is happening, the villagers, who are led by brutish Gaston (Jonathan Anderson) and his dim-witted sidekick, Lefou (Alice Orsini), decide to save Belle, and attack the castle.
Over 30 students from Grade 5 and Grade 6 took part in the performance, while the backstage crew included 19 students. The script and music were adapted and translated by drama teacher Mme Anny Auclair, and music teacher Mr. E (Kirk Elsmore). The set design was done by art teacher Mme Alicia Demers, with help from students, while the detailed and colourful costumes and props were lent to the school by the Turtle Island Theatre & Kahnawake Youth Centre.
The cast and crew had been working since January to master their performance, with practices taking place almost every day. Principal Eveline Taylor said she was “pleasantly surprised with the quality of the production and especially the singing. Everybody stayed in character so well!”
“It was amazing teamwork from the people behind the stage to those out front,” said Mrs. Taylor. “I am very proud of this group of actors.”