Beauty, the beast, and a few others
Williamsville East musical boasts big numbers on stage
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter
The students at Williamsville East High School will bring the Walt Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast" to the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 and Friday, Feb. 8 and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9.

Williamsville East's musical this year boasts a large cast with several group numbers that include many students. From left, sophomore Matt Giangreco, who plays Cogsworth; junior Quenna Stewart, as Mrs. Potts; junior Laura Tirabassi, who plays the wardrobe; and sophomore Chris Piemonte, as Lumiere, work on their group dynamic during a rehearsal. Left, Junior Rhea Francani and senior Justin Bartkowski rehearse as Belle and the Beast for the school's upcoming production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."

"I think the name is going to bring in a lot of people," said director Gracie Schupp, who has previously choreographed East's musicals but this year is pulling double duty as both director and choreographer.

Schupp has worked with several other high schools and musical and dancing groups throughout Western New York.

"This is one of the most dedicated groups I've ever worked with," she said of the students at East. "I think a lot of that has to do with the school and the fact that they treat the drama program as if it were as important as the sports programs, which you don't see a lot."

Schupp noted that the large group numbers in the show are even larger in East's production than they normally would be in order to give as many students as possible a chance to be on the stage.

"There's really no ensemble or chorus in the show, so it's been a challenge to get as many people on stage as much as we can," she said. "A lot of kids would quit if they just had a minor role, but these kids are really good about it. Once they say yes, they're dedicated."

While the large numbers in the cast have posed a challenge for the director and actors alike, the show's lead actors have enjoyed having a large number of their peers on stage with them.

"There's over 100 people, including stage crew, so the chorus numbers are harder to put together," said Dave Rundell, a senior who plays Gaston and has been a fixture in four musicals. "But the musical is a really enjoyable experience. There are a lot of nice friends to work with."

Senior Dave Rundell takes aim as Gaston, as sophomore Michael Dentieo, as LeFou, looks on during a rehearsal.

Fellow senior Justin Bartkowski, who plays the Beast, agreed, though this is his first time on stage with the musical. He previously played piano in the pit orchestra for other shows.

"It's much more time-consuming," said junior Rhea Francani, who plays Belle, of the play's large group numbers. "But since we're more familiar with the story, it's more fun."

That fun has to do with the humor that the play has that may not have been present in the movie, the three leads said.

"It's hilarious," Bartkowski said. "The Beast is this big mean guy, but he has all of these funny lines."

Francani was set to be a dance leader in last year's production but broke her foot the day before opening night, so this is her first time being on stage for an East musical.

Bartkowski is headed to Cortland State College for a degree in physical education next year while achieving his officer rank in the U.S. Navy. Rundell hopes to travel to California for college to study music or acting.

As for their favorite parts of the play, the three leads' choices focused on the music and their particular characters.

"My favorite song is called 'Me' and I'm singing it to Rhea about how she's going to take care of me when we're married and how much she's going to love it, but she really hates it," Rundell laughed.

"I really like the opening number,

Belle,' because it introduces all of the characters," Francani added. "And they're all talking about how peculiar I am."

"There's a song at the end of Act 1 where I sing about how nobody likes me," Bartkowski said. "And the part where Rhea and I sing together at the end."

"You shouldn't miss it," said Rundell, when asked why the show was worth seeing.

"It'll make you laugh and cry," Bartkowski agreed. "And the music's incredible."

Tickets for the show are $6 presale and $8 at the door. For more information or tickets, call the school at 626-8400.