Wednesday, April 30, 2008

'Beauty and the Beast' production benefits heart transplant student

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

The stage in the fine arts auditorium at Belen High School is bustling with action as students prepare for their second performance of the year, Beauty and the Beast.

With an elaborate set and beautiful costumes, the young actors take their job seriously and throw themselves into their characters as they ready themselves for their upcoming performance.

The Belen High School drama club will put on two productions of "Beauty and the Beast," with the first performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3, and the second performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, in the fine arts auditorium at the high school.

Drama teacher Robin Wyatt said the Sunday performance would be a benefit production with the proceeds going to high school student Samantha Moore and her family.

Moore received a heart transplant a year ago after being diagnosed with a terminal heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy. She and her two siblings suffer from the condition, and in January, her younger sister Brandi also received a new heart. Her younger brother Gary will also be getting a new heart in the near future as his condition worsens.

"We would like as many people as humanly possible to attend this performance," Wyatt said.

Emily Chavez is the student director for the production of "Beauty and the Beast," and Shanea Hutcherson is the assistant student director.

Although the students held dress rehearsals and performed the play for many of the elementary students in the district already, this weekend will be for the public.

"Performing for the kids is really fun," Wyatt said. "It shows them what they can do when they get to high school, and it gives my students an opportunity to center around their characters."

Wyatt went on to say when performing for children they have expectations, and if you mess up the children will call you on it. "They'll tell you straight up what you are doing wrong."

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $4 for adults, $3 for students, $2 for children 2 to 12 years old and thespians, with a card, for $1.

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