A Beast of a Blizzard Does Not Stop 'Beauty'

A massive snowstorm delayed the curtain going up for "Beauty and the Beast" at Jack Abrams Intermediate School February 10 and 11, but ultimately didn't prevent hundreds of parents and students from enjoying this year's drama club production.

Performances were originally slated for Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but a huge storm forced a postponement to Thursday and Friday. Still, large crowds turned out. There were two day and two evening performances in all, providing Jack Abrams School students with an opportunity to see the production, too.

The show starred Olivia Stamatatos and Gabe Quesquen as Belle and the Beast, respectively. Teachers Allison VonVange, Karen Morea and Katie Canales directed the production. Huntington High School seniors Rebecca Silverman and Caitlin Etri were third year assistant directors. Both students were in Mrs. VonVange's sixth grade class six years ago.

There were about 115 students involved in the show in some capacity. "The stage crew did all the sound, lighting and scenery themselves," Mrs. VonVange said. Students rehearsed for more than four months, nailing down their roles, lines and songs as well as the technical aspects of the production.

The cast was comprised of sixth graders "who have been waiting three years to shine," Mrs. VonVange said. The cast and stage crew is traditionally made up of sixth graders while the chorus consists of students drawn from fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

Parents loved the two-act show. "Thanks for two wonderful nights of theater," wrote one parent in an e-mail to one of the teacher-directors. "The time and effort needed to put on such a superb performance was very evident. Bravo!"

"Thank you so much," wrote another parent. "I have to say, the play was incredible. I enjoyed every minute."

Still another parent wrote in to say "how much we all enjoyed the performance tonight! The kids did a fantastic job - especially since it was their first time performing before a live audience! You did an amazing job directing them and I just wanted to let you know how wonderful it all was."

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