Home » News » Around Waupaca County » I-S to present ?Beauty and the Beast’

I-S to present ?Beauty and the Beast’

Iola-Scandinavia High School’s production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” begins Friday, March 27.

Held in the ISHS auditorium, the musical will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27; 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29.

The Sunday matinee is preceded by a “Be Our Guest” brunch from noon to 1:30 p.m., in the ISHS commons.

Tickets for the brunch and the musical may be purchased at the door.

Directed by Chelsea Liesch and Johnathan Turba, the cast and crew includes about 30 students.

“‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’ is a familiar show for many, but getting to see it live on stage gives it a whole different energy,” said Turba. “This show was written to be big, and the students have really risen to the occasion to give the show the big sound and stage presence it needs.”

“We’ve really enjoyed adding our own touch to these well-known characters, and the students have truly embraced this opportunity to bring them to life in their own way,” said Liesch.

Adding to the musical’s energy are Zach Sorenson as The Beast, and Clare Taylor as Belle.

“This is the part I wanted,” Sorenson said. “I wanted to show what I am capable of by showing the depth of this character.”

“The Beast has a lot of built up frustration and anger, which he needs to overcome before he can love someone,” he said.

When she tried out for a part in this year’s production, Taylor said she was “looking for an opportunity rather than a role.” She was thrilled to be cast as one of the lead characters.

Taylor loves portraying Belle because she sees a lot of herself in the character.

“I like her strong independence and her yearning for adventure,” she said. “I like to dream big, just like Belle.”

Both Sorenson and Taylor have a passion for musicals.

“I’m obsessed with musical theater,” Taylor said.

“This is a big part of my life right now,” said Sorenson.

“He definitely fits the part,” said fellow cast member Maddie Russ.

For more information and seating charts, visit the I-S School District website at www.iola.k12.wi.us.

Scroll to Top