Beauty and the Beast Cast and Crew Bring Fairytale to Life
This spring, the YISS Theater Department brought a touch of enchantment to its stage with a vibrant and heartfelt production of Beauty and the Beast. Led by director Emily Nichols in her final show at YISS, the production was a powerful display of how musical theater can bring a school community together through a collaborative love for the arts.
Months of preparation went into turning this show into a reality. From early planning to the final curtain, the production was made possible through the dedication of students, teachers, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to create something incredibly special. Every rehearsal, design choice, and musical moment reflected the team's commitment to bringing the story to life.
The cast, made up of middle and high school students, stepped confidently into their roles and filled the stage with their energetic talent. What truly brought the performance together was the teamwork behind the scenes: a student pit orchestra provided live accompaniment, while student-led tech and set crews shaped each scene with lighting, sound, and detailed staging. These elements all worked in harmony to transform the school auditorium into the theatrical world of Beauty and the Beast.
Susanna Pavon, Christian Davis and Mark Ludwig all played key roles in making the production possible. Their combined effort and guidance helped ensure that every musical note, scene, and stage setting was effectively engaged. It was this spirit of cooperation that made the show more than just a performance!
As the final bow was taken, there was a shared sense that something meaningful had happened—not just in the storytelling, but in the process. Students grew in confidence and skill, formed lasting connections, and experienced firsthand what it means to work toward a common artistic goal.
This production of Beauty and the Beast stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students are given the opportunity to create and express themselves on stage!