One of Pat Rinello’s instructions to students in her theater class was, “You have to know what kind of personality you had before you turned into a spoon or a knife.” Who else but the Rye Neck District’s longtime theater arts director could utter those words? This spring Rye Neck High is taking on its biggest musical challenge, in a sold-out production of “Beauty and the Beast” March 15-17. 

 

By Janice Llanes Fabry

 

One of Pat Rinello’s instructions to students in her theater class was, “You have to know what kind of personality you had before you turned into a spoon or a knife.” Who else but the Rye Neck District’s longtime theater arts director could utter those words? This spring Rye Neck High is taking on its biggest musical challenge, in a sold-out production of “Beauty and the Beast” March 15-17.  

 

“It has been in the ring for many years, but we were always a little afraid of it,” admitted Ms. Rinello. “The vocals are very challenging. The set, lighting, and costuming are demanding, and there’s a lot of layering to all the characters. But this year, we had enough courage to do it.”

 

No doubt, “Beauty and the Beast” looms larger than many of Rye Neck’s productions of the past. The 1991 Walt Disney film version was the first animated movie to be nominated for an Academy Award, winning for best score and launching Mattel dolls of Princess Belle, the Beast, Gaston, and many others from the whimsical cast of characters. The Broadway musical was one of the longest-running productions in history.

 

The Rye Neck cast and crew appear ready for the challenge. Senior John Varamo, who is playing Cogsworth, said, “People will definitely come with expectations. The movie was just released in 3-D! All we could do is try our best to make it new and fresh, and add our own touch at the same time.”

 

Fellow senior Danielle Giordano, who is playing Madame de la Grande Bouche, added, “There’s a lot we have to live up to, but we have such a wonderful cast to do it.”

 

Elena Ruigomez earned the role of Belle. “I am excited and honored, and I really hope I don’t disappoint the kids,” said the sophomore, who is all too aware that children have watched the video in their homes over and over again. “Thanks to Ms. Rinello, I’ve been growing into the character by incorporating Belle’s light feeling. I’ve been smiling a lot these last few months.”

 

In the middle of rehearsals now, the musical’s other directors include Steve Loftus and choreographer Trish Arensen. In addition, faculty members Karen Fontecchio and Joyce Pezzola have reprised their roles as costume designer and box office coordinator, respectively.

 

The 150 students involved are going to great lengths to make it a spectacular production. Junior Sydney Chiera, who plays the baker’s wife and a spoon, is grateful that “the directors see where we can be, not where we are now.”

 

For the seniors, it will be a swan song to remember. Two of them are passing on the baton to their younger sisters.

 

Janina Temali and her sister Jelis, a sophomore, will both be on stage. “I’ve grown a lot and have done things I never thought I could, like learning to manage my time. This is hard to leave behind,” said Janina.

 

“I’ve been involved in the musical all four years and it has been so rewarding,” said Camille Berlioz, whose sister Lea, a freshman, is also in the production. “Giving it up is going to be hard, but I know I’m coming back to see future productions.”