by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club brought Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. to life November 14–15 on the GHS Auditorium stage, enchanting audiences with stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and a vibrant cast. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, the beloved tale was reborn with dazzling artistry and theatrical depth.
From the opening narration—entrusted to the poised quartet of Paisley Casey, Ellie Sweeney, Aubrianna Mason, and Gunner Hewitt—the audience was swept into a world of wonder. Robert Millemon’s transformation into the Beast was both commanding and tender, while Brooklyn Anderson’s Belle radiated intelligence and heart, anchoring the story with grace. Lauren Terpstra’s dual portrayal of the Old Woman and Enchantress added layers of mystery and magic, and Evelyn Riutta’s bold Gaston, flanked by Karsyn Cudhea’s delightfully loyal Lefou, brought comic bravado to the stage.
The village ensemble, Les Filles De La Ville, burst with charm and energy, while Hendrix McSweeney’s Maurice offered warmth and whimsy. The enchanted castle staff—Easton Smith as Cogsworth, Isabelle French as Lumiere, Raeleigh McIntosh as Babette, Ruby Griffith as Mrs. Potts, and Charlize Brozzo as Chip—delivered performances that sparkled with personality and precision. Isadora Wake’s Madame de la Grande Bouche and River Ervin’s Monsieur D’Arque rounded out the magical cast with flair and intrigue.
The supporting cast of Beauty and the Beast Jr. brought depth, color, and delightful character to every corner of the stage. Cally Jenkins portrayed the Shepherd Boy, Aspen Chase the Aristocratic Lady, and Aj Pray the Book Seller. Daphne Bearden appeared as the Lady with a Cane, Abby Brown as the Fish Monger, Harper Haines as the Milk Maid, Skarlett Kulp as the Hat Seller, Lacey Phillips as the Egg Seller, Jocelynne Hale as the Sausage Girl, Ariella Barr as the Candle Seller, and Isla Countryman as the Baker—each role adding texture to the bustling village scenes.
The enchanted objects came to life with vivid imagination: Aspen Chase, Lauren Terpstra, and Bree Bates as Spoons; Bria Merkley, Kinley Evans, and Rowan Burt as Forks; Skarlett Kulp and Savannah Skeels as Knives; McKenna Turner and Layla Young as Napkins; Cally Jenkins and Jazline Davis as Salt & Pepper; Isla Countryman and London Wood as Candle Sticks; and Skarlett Kulp and Alex Mendez Sands as Plates. The Wolves—Bree Bates, Lacey Phillips, and Kinley Evans—brought a thrilling edge to the forest scenes, while the Guards, played by Alex Mendez-Sands and London Wood, added a final note of drama and discipline.
Every role was delivered with care and conviction, fueling a production rich in heart, humor, and theatrical wonder. A vibrant celebration of youth and storytelling, Beauty and the Beast Jr. left audiences enchanted and inspired.
Behind the curtain, the same spirit that animated the stage pulsed through a powerhouse production team whose vision and dedication shaped every moment of Beauty and the Beast Jr. into something truly unforgettable. Under the direction of Brandon Griffin, the Gouverneur Middle School Drama Club’s rendition dazzled with professional polish and heartfelt creativity. Griffin also served in the roles of Music Director, Choreographer, Set Designer, and Lighting Designer, joined by Assistant Director and Stage Manager Catie Yablonski, Costume Designer and “Thrift Store Rockstar” Michele Brenno, Music Director Ethan Bast, Set Designers Art Knauf, Alexandria Smith, and the Smith Family, Lighting Designer Laraya Klock, Stage Manager Michele Brenno, and Sound Designer and Performing Arts Director Richard Patton. The Stage Crew included: Luke Bartholomew, Kiara Callaghan, Julia Cole, Carter D’Agostino, Emberaelyn Dusharm, Abel Halladay, Kailey Lewis, Drake Roberts, Wes Sweeney, Evelynn Vann, and Evangeline Veal.
From the moment the lights dimmed, audiences were transported—thanks in no small part to the show’s enchanting visual world. The set design, a handcrafted marvel of imagination and detail, transformed the stage into a storybook come to life. Costumes, curated and created by Michele Brenno with her signature flair, were nothing short of spectacular—each piece a character in its own right, drawing gasps and applause for their creativity, color, and charm.
This production was made possible through the steadfast support of the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education, Superintendent Jackie Kelly, High School Principal Nicole Donaldson, secretarial staff Amy Barr and Michelle Hassett, the High School Custodial Staff, Middle School Principal Michael Hammond, Assistant Principal Rachel Curry, secretarial staff Bonnie Bates and Chelsi Griffith, and a host of behind-the-scenes champions including Stacy, Casey, Connor, and Corryn Canell, Justin Terpstra, Jenneca Cook, Evan Shampine, the Gouverneur Tribune Press, and many others whose contributions helped bring this vision to life. Boundless appreciation went to the Gouverneur community for its unwavering encouragement, and to the dedicated parents whose support fuels every student’s creativity, confidence, and commitment.
From the first rehearsal to the final bow, students from Gouverneur CSD and St. James School delivered a production defined by discipline, teamwork, and heart. Beauty and the Beast Jr. wasn’t just well-executed—it was a confident, cohesive performance that showcased young talent and left audiences thoroughly impressed. The show closed to a well-earned standing ovation.
Thanks to generous donations and the steadfast support of the Gouverneur CSD and its Board of Education, local students have the remarkable opportunity to experience Wicked at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse—a journey that brings Broadway magic within reach and deepens their connection to the performing arts. For more information about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.