Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney animated feature and dating back to a late 18th-century classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. There is a time limit, too: once a magical rose loses all of its petals, all hope will be lost and he will stay a Beast forever. The Beast’s enchanted household--populated by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip--watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another. Their feelings grow ever deeper as the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose--will they confess their love for one another before it is too late?

As they say, the third time is a charm; and that couldn't be more true for this theatre program, as we embarked upon my third musical as the Director, Beauty and the Beast. 

First and foremost, all of the credit in the world belongs to these students that you will see on stage; they have lost so much over the last two years, and despite it all, remained so eager, and committed to making giant strides forward, and raising the bar for our program. To all students, especially the seniors: I am unspeakably proud of the work you have done, and continue to do, to make this production come to life. I am inevitably biased, but I am humbled to work with the best kids on the planet; they make it easy to put in all of the extra hours necessary, to spearhead a giant production like Beauty and the Beast.

Secondly, I owe all the thanks imaginable to my partner in crime, Andrea Collier - you are a brilliant artist, remarkable teacher, and a wonderful friend. The way you choreograph and stage is second to none, and you make our production better every single day. It has been an absolute pleasure to co-block the show with you, music direct and produce all of your artistic visions, and to work collaboratively toward such a stellar product. 

I would be remiss not to recognize the rest of our brilliant artistic staff. Each of you keeps me honest and grounded, and inspires me to do my best every day I walk into the building. To Chris Pitlik, you are still the most supportive colleague I could have ever asked for; the pit sounds exceptional, as always. To Gordon Oliver, for designing and building brilliant sets, that are wonderfully thoughtful and creative. And last but not least, to Ken George, the king of all things technical and logistical, for being so instrumental to teaching our students in crew, executing our visions, as well as upgrading and updating our auditorium.  

Now, more than ever, we need the arts in our life, and in our school. In this constantly tumultuous world, we find ourselves turning to music, to visual art, and to theatre, as a means of grounding ourselves in trying times; as a means of fostering understanding and empathy, and most importantly, as a means to express our humanity. Beauty and The Beast, an iconic, timeless tale, reminds us to never stop learning, to never judge a book by its cover, and provides us with a much needed reminder; in trying times, loving one another fiercely, will always triumph over hate. 

RH