While not everyone agrees with me, I have to say that Beauty and the Beast is Disney's best animated film. The brilliance of Alan Menken's score and the lyrical brilliance of Howard Ashman (which was continued after his passing by Tim Rice) combined with a story that is full of heart with a strong female lead has truly stood the test of time and is just as significant today as when the film first opened in 1991. Beauty and the Beast also represents Disney's foray into live theatre which has created numerous successful stage productions that go beyond presentations of their animated properties.
This is the second time that I have helmed a presentation of this production, and it is just as meaningful as it was the first time. To see the students respond to the work being done by their peers demonstrates just how powerful this production can be. At the heart of this production is the importance of learning about one another before making snap judgements. A lesson we can all take to heart.
As is always the case, this production marks the last time that I will work directly with a number of students on one of our productions. This senior class has been nothing less than exceptional and has been a delight to work with. Whether the student has been in the program for all four years or this is their first production, I will miss the opportunity to work with these students again. Thank you to the following seniors for their dedication to this show and the Dougherty Valley Theatre Arts Program:
Lily Adlin
Lola Estrada
Samantha Frias
Rebecca Khoudian
Karen Kim
Audrey Kristic
Cameron Lee
Valarie Lee
Alex Mendiola
Blake Moore
Gabriel Naguib
Millie Ore
Alexa Owen
Alliah Myles Patricio
Matthew Ramos
Izzy Roth
Makena Hayley Sapida
Olivia Sarko
Manaal Shareh
Emma Wong
