The proof of what hard work and team work can achieve was standing on stage and off the stage at the Hillside Intermediate School during the evenings of Wednesday, April 2, and Thursday, April 3.
On those nights, the school’s multi-purpose room was buzzing—and jammed packed—when the Hillside Drama Club presented the hit show Beauty and the Beast JR.
The students delivered a sparkling performance while the stage crew pitched in with their skills off-stage.
The standing-room-only audience greatly appreciated their showing.
But behind the scenes–or, in this case, the curtain–-this spectacular two-night show resulted from months of good old hard work and team work.
The performance leading up to the performance was guided by the dedicated Co-Advisors of the Hillside Drama Club—Anna O’Brien, Patrick Blood and Isabella Halligan. They served as the three directors along with another valuable member of the staff, Shannon Leff, who delivered with her energy and enthusiasm as the play’s music director.
These four devoted directors each shared their review of the play—and signaled out the people who made it all happen.
“I am thrilled with the outcome of Beauty and the Beast JR. The students and crew worked together seamlessly to create a powerful story. Ms. O'Brien revealed that the students formed meaningful connections and truly became a family. “Each participant flourished in their roles, developing confidence and skills they will carry with them as they move forward. I am incredibly proud of the cast and crew and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team. Special thanks to Ms. Halligan, Mr. Blood, and Ms. Leff for their invaluable contributions. I enjoyed every moment of co-directing this show!’
Mr. Blood declared, "Beauty and the Beast JR was tour de force.”
He spoke of the preparation that went into this production.
“Months of practicing music, dancing, scene work, set changes, etc., resulted in a piece of theater our students can be proud of. However, and our students can attest to this, what we do isn’t easy,” Mr. Blood said. “ It takes a Village to make it possible. If it weren’t for our incredible parents, administrators, school secretaries, Ms O’Brien, Ms Halligan, and Ms. Leff, we would’ve had no show. The amount of work they’ve done behind the scenes rivals anything on the stage.”
Mr Blooded added this insight:
“With all that being said, I hope the one thing our students took from this experience was the joy of knowing they were some of our audience members for the first time experiencing this story. That is the magic of what we do.”
Ms. Halligan did not view the practice as a chore but believed that the rehearsals had a sound purpose.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to participate in this year's production! I have loved working alongside Ms. O'Brian, Mr. Blood, and Ms. Leff as we have watched the cast and crew truly grow over the course of this process; their dedication plays a large part in the show's success,” she said.
Ms. Halligan shared more positive feedback.
“I am so proud of their hard work and immense talent, and I hope they carry the skills they learned during this experience and continue to pursue additional roles (on stage or off). I also want to give an additional thanks to all of our wonderful parents, staff, and family/friend volunteers-- you all have enhanced the show to help our students shine!”
No musical play would be a smashing success like this one at Hillside if not for the sounds generated throughout the evenings.
Ms. Leff can be thanked for that crucial element.
“Beauty and the Beast JR was a true celebration of the magic of musical theatre and the incredible talent of today’s youth. Ms. Leff said that the cast and crew's dedication and hard work brought this production to life in the most inspiring way. “Working with these students on the music has been a gratifying experience—each rehearsal was filled with their passion and enthusiasm for singing.”
Ms. Leff hit on the critical factors that led to the fine finished product.
“To my amazing cast: thank you for sharing your voices with me and giving me the most unforgettable student teaching experience. Your commitment to ‘practice, practice, practice’ has truly paid off, and I am in awe of the remarkable individuals you all are! A special thank you to the rest of the fantastic production team—Mr. Blood, Ms. O’Brien, and Ms. Halligan. Collaborating with all of you on this show has been the highlight of my school year!"
An attentive audience member was Hillside Principal Dr. Tali Axelrod. She applauded the efforts of the staff and students.
“Beauty and the Beast JR. was a remarkable success at Hillside! We have incredible talent here, and our students and teachers worked hard to prepare for the show,” Dr. Axelrod claimed. “Under the direction of our amazing teachers, the students brought the stage to life with their amazing musical performances!”
See what hard work and team work can produce.