Geneva stages ‘Beauty and The Beast’

The Geneva School of Boerne Fine Arts Department recently wrapped up its production of “Beauty and the Beast” Oct. 26-27.

Geneva’s production included over 90 high school students, nine fine arts teachers and numerous talented adults from the Geneva community serving as cast, crew, orchestra and production.

The production was based on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton and originally directed by Rob Rath.

Geneva’s auditions were held in late August and rehearsals began in early September. The production featured a live pit orchestra led by concertmaster senior Kayla Strizu and directed by choir instructor Cristian Buzas.

The role of the Beast was played by senior Samuel Siller, while senior Wimberley Hochart and sophomore Sofia Ramirez each played Belle at different performances.

Other key roles were performed by freshman Christopher Siller (Gaston), freshman Jack Ranhofer (LeFou), junior Chistian Vis (Maurice), freshman Evan Taylor (Monsieur D’Arque), sophomores Peylin Dennis, Katelyn Hubenak and Landry Smith (Les Filles La Ville), freshman Samuel McPhail (Cogsworth), junior Jonathan Taylor (Lumiere), sophomore Mirabel Clifford (Babette), seniors Rachel Troyer and Sofi Treviño (Mrs. Potts), senior Mandy Mills (Chip), sophomore Catalina Lozada (Madame De La Grande Bouche), sophomore Harlan Mangum (narrator) and sophomore Rosie Troyer (Enchantress).

The production was led by musical director Jesse Brown with a leadership team including fine arts director Ben Vis, audio engineering director Luis Arizpe, costume director Holly Williams, choir director Cristian Buzas, ensemble choreographer Jessica Brown, orchestra pit director Sarah Gachupin and student director Megan Luffy.

“This ‘tale as old as time’ was such a fun, first foray into directing at Geneva,” Brown said. “From the students in the cast, the orchestra, the tech crew, as well as the many, many faculty members who put hands to the completion and production of Beauty and the Beast, we all worked tirelessly to put on a great show.

“This story of redemption and beauty, which ultimately mirrors our own walk with Christ, is one I pray that all involved will remember for years to come,” Brown added.