NaamanForestHigh School presented the classic musical “Beauty and the Beast” Friday and Saturday nights in the school’s newly refurbished auditorium. 

An excellent student cast performed the “tale as old as time” of good wins over evil and love conquers all—a relevant message in our conflicted times.

 In the musical, based on a  fairy tale written in the 1700’s, an arrogant young prince and his servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into a hideous Beast (played by Ryan Ramirez) until he learns to love and be loved in return. 

Belle (played by Martina Manguerra) portrays a young village girl more like today’s  female who is independent, strong-willed, and intelligent. The spirited girl enters the Beast's castle after he imprisons her father. With the help of the enchanted servants Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. 

Director Cortnie De Vore and Music Director Terrence Jennings along with their assistants and crew did a stellar job of combining acting, singing, dancing and gymnastics to create a high energy performance as illustrated in the all-cast number of “Be Our Guest.” 

Great talent, charming costumes, sets, lighting and sound effects were all used effectively to produce another hit for NaamanForestHigh School and the music and drama departments.