The ACS production of “Beauty and the Beast JR.” brought over a thousand people to our school’s stage for three shows on November 17 and 18. Congratulations to Director Genevieve Huff, Choreographer Amy Parker, Musical and Technical Director Lee Martin for a productive and amazing production. Director Genevieve Huff shared that the cast worked very hard and bonded over the 10 weeks of rehearsals, becoming like one big, happy family with a common goal of spreading God’s message through the musical.
“As a cast, we open each rehearsal in prayer. We often pray that this production is a reflection of love and unity as we attempt to honor and glorify God through the art of theater. We pray that the story of Beauty and the Beast would not just be another princess story (although it is a good one); but, that it would be a reminder of what matters most. God knows us and loves us. What He cares about the most is what is on the inside- our hearts. The outward appearance of someone could go either way- Beauty or Beast- but, it is a heart (and mind) transformed and renewed by God that is what matters. I pray we will not be content with “appearances” of good- but that God’s goodness is the core of our being,” added Director Genevieve Huff.
Lee Martin ended each show tying up the story of Beauty and the Beast with the message of restoration through Jesus dying on the cross for us. On the final night of performances, the cast and crew honored the directors and key staff members. They also recognized the two seniors, Ryleigh Martin and Vera Huff, both of whom played significant roles in the show and showed excellence in their performances.
A talented group of around 50 volunteers, including ACS teachers, staff, students, and parents, served behind the scenes doing set design, scenery, face painting, costumes, stage crew, and much more.
Former ACS Art Teacher Sherry Mirakian led a team of volunteers who focused on the scenery — creating and painting the backdrop and props for the show. The student Set Design Club worked diligently on Thursdays during school, and additional volunteers served after school and in the evenings for two weeks prior to the show.
ACS Technology Teacher and Mock Trial Coach Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney spearheaded the costume department for this play, working with four volunteers and nearly twenty students to create an elaborate and beautiful collection of enchanted costumes. Beyond making most pieces from scratch, including a wearable teapot and teacup developed by Vera Huff (as seen as Mrs. Potts), our costume department sourced era-appropriate pieces from thrift stores and other schools in order to clothe the town villagers. Marilyn Harris, grandmother to Megan Connolly (as seen as one of the Filles De La Ville) and Sean Connolly, served faithfully behind the scenes throughout the production. There were seventy-seven individual costumes developed for this play. Mrs. Hahn-Chany worked daily with students, teaching them how to read sewing patterns, cut and sew, organize the costume room, make alterations, and assist with fittings to ensure that each character looks important and recognizable on stage.
Hahn-Chaney, who majored in fashion design in college and worked for several years in the Manhattan-centered fashion industry, enjoys using her gifts to add value and enrichment to Atlantic Christian School. Launching Fashion Design/Costume Club, a seasonal afterschool workshop, proved to be a rewarding and mutually beneficial addition. The weekly Costume Club for upper school students continues to function in support of the performing arts at ACS. In the weeks following the Beauty and the Beast Jr. production, Hahn-Chaney is working with students to create angel costumes for the K-3 Christmas Cantata, Hotel Noel, a performance led by K-3 music teacher Mrs. Juliana Zimmer.
Special thanks to Jonathan Gonzalez of B360 AC Photo for donating his services to create these photo memories.
