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Masque Has A 'Beauty' Of A Show

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BY SARAH ROTHWELL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 2, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - TEMPLE TERRACE - When 17-year-old Karen Thorla landed the role of Belle in Masque Community Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast," she jumped for joy.

"It's my dream role," she said. "I grew up watching the movie, and it was the first Broadway show I ever saw. I've known all the songs since I was a kid."

"Beauty and the Beast" opens Aug. 1 at Masque, 8825 N. 56th St. The musical's 52-member cast is made up of youths ages 6 to 18. Thorla plays Belle, Jorge Bolanos, 17, plays Beast, and Nicu Brouillette, 17, plays Belle's arrogant suitor, Gaston.

Before taking the stage, the musical's cast of characters will appear at the Temple Terrace Fourth of July Parade beginning 10 a.m. July 4. The cast will ride on a float designed by parent volunteers to look like Beast's castle.

Justin Gonzalez, 17, can't wait to greet the community in costume as Lumiere, the talking candelabra.

"'Beauty and the Beast' was the first movie I ever saw," Gonzalez said. "I love the story. When I found out about the auditions, I knew I wanted to be Lumiere. He's just so French and so obnoxious and over the top. I love it."

Gonzalez was one of more than 100 youths who auditioned for the production in mid-May. Director Ruth Kegel, assistant director Kayleigh Mollycheck and musical director Larry Bond cast performers based on their singing, dancing and acting abilities.

"We were looking for the total package, and we found it," Kegel said. "The actors and actresses we chose are extremely talented and really connect with their characters."

Thorla has no problem getting into character at rehearsals. She is perfectly content in Belle's signature blue-and-white dress.

"Belle and I are a lot alike," Thorla said. "Like her, I'm different than most people and people don't understand me all the time, and I love to read. I just feel like Belle."

Brouillette doesn't identify personally with the unsympathetic Gaston. Still, he likes playing the villain.

"Gaston is larger than life," he said. "I love how full of himself he is. I have fun with it. My favorite song to sing is "Me" because it's all about Gaston."

In addition to learning lines, the "Beauty and the Beast" cast will perfect several songs before opening night.

"We have a lot of talented singers," Bond said. "The most challenging parts are the harmonies. A lot of the performers haven't done harmonies before, but they're getting it."

Since most cast members knew the words to the songs before rehearsals, they have time to concentrate on voice work and get used to their costumes.

"My costume doesn't have any hands," Gonzalez said. "I'm still learning how to do the choreography with my arms up and without any hands."

The directors, parents and other volunteers worked together to make the costumes for a living candlestick, a giant teapot, a life-size clock and the furry Beast.
Masque members Denise Deneen and Shirley Overton have been working on props and set design. They are transforming the theater lobby into Belle's Village. Theatergoers will be able to walk through the village before and after the show.

"There will be the tavern with the fireplace, the fountain with running water, the market and the bookstore," Deneen said.

Thorla can't wait until opening night, when it all comes together. She is also looking forward to dressing up as Belle for the parade.

"I can't wait to smile and wave at all the kids," she said. "It's like bringing a childhood dream to life."

Mollycheck is just as big a Belle fan.

"As a girl, my whole room was done in 'Beauty and the Beast,'" she said. "If I could be Belle, I would."

The cast and crew are certain people of all ages will enjoy Masque's production of a tale told time and time again.

"It's the classic love story," Kegel said. "It has such great music and great characters. Everyone knows the story, but it doesn't get old."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Masque Community Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast"

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16; 2 p.m. Aug. 3, 10 and 17

WHERE: Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N. 56th St.

HOW MUCH: $14 for ages 13 to 54; $12 for ages 55 and older, students with ID and members of the military; $10 for ages 12 and younger.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 983-1710 or go to www.masquetheatre.net.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at srothwell@tampatrib.com or (813) 865-4845.

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