Kendall tells story of Beauty and the Beast in spring musical

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2024 at 3:18 pm

Performance dedicated to teacher who passed away on March 8

Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL – Adrianna Schiavone plays the role of Belle in Kendall’s production of Beauty and the Beast, which had shows on Friday and Saturday evening. Belle is an intelligent and vibrant girl who loves libraries and is eager to experience life.

The performances were pushed back a week following the unexpected death of elementary special education teacher Courtney Fannon on March 8.

The Kendall cast was in costume and makeup when the performance was cancelled on March 8 at 5:15 p.m., less than two hours before the show was scheduled to start.

The Kendall cast, crew and teachers in the production dedicated the performances on Friday and Saturday to Fannon, who was 29 and eight months pregnant. Her unborn daughter, who was to be named Hadley Jaye, also didn’t survive. Kendall observed a moment of silence for Fannon and her daughter before the performances this weekend.

Lucas Jones plays the Beast, a prince who is transformed into a terrifying beast for his lack of compassion. He is turned into a beast after turning away an older woman who was begging.

The Beast is hot-tempered and commanding, but does have a loving heart under his gruff exterior.

The only way for the Beast to become human again is if he learns to love and be loved in return.

Jimmie Swift stars as Gaston, an ultra-masculine villain who is determined to marry Belle. He carries his bumbling sidekick LeFou, who is played Mike Hallowell.

Karter May is Lumiere, an enchanted candelabra and a loyal and steadfast servant for the Beast.

In back are Riley Passer as Cogsworth (left), an enchanted mantle clock, an Madison Hults as Chip, an enchanted teacup.

The servants in the Beast’s castle are very hopeful as Belle and the Beast begin to befriend one another. If the spell is broken, the characters under spell will become human again.