State of the School

Santa Paula High School State of the School
March 21, 2011
 
Applause begets applause in the theatre, as laughter begets laughter and tears beget tears.
-Clayton Hamilton

This weekend our Santa Paula High School Theater Team opened its production of Beauty and the Beast. The musical is directed by Jerry Cruz, music coordinated by Doug Kadansky, with technical support from Basil Augustine.

While watching the production I began to realize that sometimes we are so involved with what our students can or cannot do in the classroom that we fail to recognize their other abilities and accomplishments. This production shines a light on the amazing talents that exist in our school and among our students and staff.

Staging a play can be a daunting task for any theater team but taking on a musical production is monumental. Mr. Doug Kadansky and his musicians should be celebrated for providing the live music and arrangements for over 20 musical numbers. Live music in High School Theater is rare regardless of what you see on Glee.

The ensemble entertains as servants under an enchantress's spell gradually becoming teapots, armoires, clocks, and knick-knacks. The main characters include the over the top Gaston (Josh Valencia), intent on marrying Belle whether she wants it or not. The Beast (Talon Smith) who reveals his love, rage, and other feelings bit by bit. Felicia Echiribel sings beautifully as Mrs. Potts and Ozzy Parrilla as Lumiere and Samantha Amey as Babette steal the show in their over-the-top roles.

The Show is enormously effective and enchanting. The music, jokes and dance numbers hit the mark. If you have the opportunity I encourage you to come out and see our students and staff in a different light.

Paul Marietti
Principal, Santa Paula High School