Beauty and the Beast

 

A Lesson in Love and Inner Beauty

After searching for the perfect musical for Grace Christian Academy’s Spring Show, Elementary Music Director, Tracy Rodgers, became captivated by the story of Beauty and the Beast for two reasons. Not only was it an 18th- century classic fairy tale that taught us how to love another and to earn love in return, but it was an opportunity to teach a character lesson to students on how to love and appreciate each other’s inner beauty.

The story follows a young girl named Belle, who feels as though she is odd and does not fit in with the rest of the crowd.  She learns as she meets the Beast that he feels the same way.  Their common bond moves them closer to love and away from the idea that beauty is superficial.  Belle and the Beast begin to trust one other and learn a true lesson in love.  Shelby Rodgers, the 5th grader who portrayed Belle, believes it is important not only to rely on the trust and love of a friendship, but also to honor God and glorify him in every way.  That is what helped her excel in her role as Belle.  “It takes hard work,” Miss Rodgers said, and “one challenge was learning to dance with the Beast.”

The Beast, played by 5th-grader Luke Scealf, also indicated the waltz was difficult to learn, but the audience was mesmerized at the sight of the two dancing and being able to portray their characters’ inner emotion.  Scealf, along with Ryan Clift, who portrayed Gaston, the Beast’s enemy, agreed that learning the lines was a challenge, but that it just took a little patience and hard work.
That hard work paid off. Even though the musical was performed by young students in 3rd-5th grade, they went through the same rigors as actors of a Broadway musical – long rehearsals, intense line memorization, vocal practice, creative movement and staging directions.   Parker Hawk, the 5th grade student who portrayed “Maurice,” Belle’s father, said “it takes self discipline and courage to learn all of the lines as well as being able to do it in front of a lot of people.” 

Two hundred GCA elementary students, including an 80-member cast, presented their 3rd annual Broadway Musical in three full performances.  This was the largest musical in terms of cast, set and costumes.  Rodgers said she was blessed with a creative team of GCA teachers with theater backgrounds to provide artistic and technical perspectives to create a true “Broadway” experience for the elementary students.

As Belle and the Beast were learning of true love and inner beauty on the stage, the cast also learned of love and inner beauty through their friendships, hard work and dedication….So along with the memories of performing in Beauty and the Beast – the Broadway Musical, they will have character lessons to take with them throughout the rest of their life. 

 

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