The performances of Beauty and the Beast by the Summit High School Performing arts department were meant to be more than just a fairytale, said Director Anne Poyner, they were meant to be about the power of love.

In the audience were children as small as two or three years old who were really engaged in the performances, Poyner told Patch. Even adults were found crying because it such a moving story, she remarked.

Poyner said Beauty and the Beast is a play that the department has always wanted to do because it is such a beautiful story. 

Poyner added that the reaction from the public was nothing but positive. She heard from everyone that they loved the performances and the set and costumes were beautiful. Many of the costumes are right off Broadway while others are replicas, she added.

"Many people said it was our best production ever," she added following the final performance.

The goal of the cast and production was to be as professional as possible.

"We were so happy with all of our performances," Poyner stated. "Our actors and our crew were consistent and professional every performance."

Even minor technical errors that occurred during some of the performances did not faze the actors, Poyner said; they remained fully engaged in their characters.

Superintendent Nathan Parker announced at the March 7 budget meeting that Beauty and the Beast was “the best priced ticket in town.”

Mayor Ellen Dickson added that the performance was beautiful.

Following the Sunday matinee, the cast celebrated at the home of a company member. Poyner said each year the seniors write and perform a satire skit of the directors and the shows from their four years in the performing arts program.

"We loved telling the story of Belle and the Beast-two 'odd' people who found the inner beauty in each other and were both transformed by love," Poyner remarked. "Our goal was to appeal to all ages with the humor, the message and the magic of this beautiful 'tale as old as time.' "

Did you see Beauty and the Beast? Tell us what you thought in the comment section below!

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