The only problem with Howe Sound Secondary School's production of is it is not running long enough for everyone in town to see this overwhelmingly entertaining show.
Professional from the actors to the sets and everything in between, the performance goes above and beyond a typical high school play and brings the Eagle Eye Theatre a high-class and enjoyable evening of entertainment for people of all ages.
A full house attended the recent Saturday night performance and was audibly amused with the humour the play provides as well being awed in silence at the fear and sadness the character of the Beast displays.
Extra attention to costumes and sets adds to these affects as the audience is taken from the "poor provincial town" in France to the darkness of an enchanted castle and to the tower of the forbidden west wing of the Beast's castle. The costumes, created by Christine Eckersley, Irena Erdos, Autumn Hanna and Lynn Wong, also add to the visual aspects of the show as the characters complete several costume changes.
The singing and acting in the musical complete the package, led by the vocals of Stephanie Layden, who shares the lead role of Belle with Shannon Peek. The character makes her solo singing moments exciting and a pleasure to listen to.
The Beast, played by Terry Fulton, strikes the right balance between fierceness and sadness and the acting department at Howe Sound Secondary is lucky to have Brian Eckersley, seen one last time on the HSSS stage in the role of Gaston in a hilarious performance pivotal to the success of the show. The creativity and charm of the characters inside the castle also add to this well-executed production.
It is evident a lot of work went into putting on this show and it is not one to be missed. The Saturday evening show is reportedly sold out, however approximately 20 tickets have been put aside to be sold on a first-come first-served basis. As of Chief press deadline there were a limited number of tickets available for the Friday night show as well as the Saturday matinée to be purchased in advance at Billie's Bouquet or at Howe Sound Secondary. The evening performances at the Eagle Eye Community Theatre are at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7 p.m. The Saturday matinee starts at 2 p.m. with the doors opening at 1:30 p.m.
