After three months of hard work, EMU’s spring musical, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” premiered last week. Auditions were held right before winter break, and rehearsals started right after.
First-year Andrew Stoltzfus plays the role of the Beast. Stoltzfus did theater throughout high school and was in EMU’s fall theater production.
“This musical has been about community— getting together with different people from all sorts of backgrounds to collaboratively bring something magical to life,” Stoltzfus said. There are also challenges in a production like this, and Stoltzfus recognizes that. “It’s been a big commitment, and sometimes it can get a bit exhausting, and I especially don’t like when I’m not able to meet the standards I set for myself: not being as good an actor as I work and try to be.” However, Stoltzfus “enjoyed the close-knit atmosphere our cast has made; we’re all members of the same team working towards a common goal.”
This production is directed by Assistant Director of EMU’s Theater department, Justin Poole. Poole has been directing shows for 20 years now, and he agrees that the people have truly made this show special.
“The best part of this experience has been the deep sense of community that has developed,” Poole said. “This is evident on stage in many ways. In theater, when the actors are having fun, their joy naturally spills over into the audience. This is what is happening during every performance. We have a large group of talented cast and crew members, and I am excited about what this means for the future of EMU Theater.” Poole said.
First-year Joe Seitz plays the part of Lumiere, and has now worked under Poole twice, his first time being as assistant director for “Measure for Measure” in the fall.
“He’s a difficult guy to keep up with,” Seitz said. “I’m pretty sure he draws his energy from a bottomless well. But if you can keep up with him, he’s the sort of person who makes you want to do great things with him. I’ve never felt any amount of negativity from Justin. He approaches everything with a positive attitude.” Seitz also shared a similar sentiment for the show as Stoltzfus and Poole. “My favorite thing about doing theater will always be community and all the people I’ve gotten to know—the little memories and moments, and just getting to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Lumiere is cheeky; I am also somebody who likes to have plenty of fun, but knows when to be serious and earnestly wants the best for everyone around him. Not having hands is quite difficult.”
First-year Elizabeth Eby, who plays Belle in this year’s musical, is surrounded by junior Ariel Barbosa (right) and community member MacRae Richardson. 
Eby sings to community children actors Katherine Richardson, Virginia Natale, and Vienna Poole at the beginning of the musical.
Besides the cast, “Beauty and the Beast” has a crew of many students who have worked hard to put together all the pieces of the set, lighting, and costumes. Junior Yoel Bobadilla is in charge of lighting for the performances, and did some painting work on the set as well. “I’m happy to see all the puzzle pieces put together for this amazing show,” Bobadilla said. “I’m happy that I am a part of this beautiful process; I’m glad to collaborate the lighting with the performance that the performers put on.” Bobadilla has been involved in theater in the past, including “Measure for Measure” in the fall as well. “This is probably the most expressive, enthusiastic, and energetic cast I’ve worked with in college. The atmosphere is alive. There is never something ordinary going on. There’s always songs being played and people singing them.” Upcoming shows are Mar. 28, 29, and 30 at 7 p.m.
