Be Our Guest!

Hoboken Public School Drama students in grades K-12 produce the musical Beauty and the Beast

Expect to be warmly welcomed at the District musical this May. Under the leadership of Hoboken Junior Senior High School (HJSHS) teacher, Ms. Danielle Miller, 100 students from the Hoboken Public Schools have come together to put on a production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The show will run May 20th at 7pm, May 21st at 2pm, and May 22nd at 2pm.

Ms. Miller was selected as the HJSHS Teacher of the Year for 2015–2016 for her outstanding efforts in forging opportunities in drama for her students. Ms. Miller always seeks to inspire her students through her infectious enthusiasm and passion for theater. Hoboken is one of the only districts in the state to produce two musicals per school year. This past March, the Hoboken High School Drama Club students won the New Jersey Thespians Competition and will represent the state at the 2016 Thespians Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.

We are very fortunate to see some of these talented actors in our own hometown for Beauty and the Beast. 100 students and 15 backstage crew members rehearse 3pm-7pm four days a week after school to prepare for their roles. You will recognize a few familiar faces, including Gia Santiago as Belle, who previously played Ariel in the District’s production of The Little Mermaid, and Willie Allen, who played Audrey II in the Little Shop of Horrors, who steps into the role of the Beast. Chip is played by second grader, Lucas Daly.

One unique facet of the spring musical is the collaboration between the younger elementary school participants and the high school lead actors. There are about 70 children from the public elementary schools in grades K-6 who are taking part in Beauty and the Beast. They are important members of the chorus ensembles. Each high school student is assigned a buddy to instill a sense of mentorship and support. The older cast members develop their leadership skills as they are responsible for their buddies daily. Meanwhile, the elementary school children learn many new skills from the high school students and are growing a real sense of pride and accomplishment due to their participation. Regardless of age, each student is given the opportunity to shine during the musical.

The high schoolers also take ownership of the production by helping with rehearsals, collecting paperwork from parents, and creating the playbill. Some of the student leaders this year include Gina Rotondi, Aishah Tapia, Ivelisse Lorenzo, and Sophia Ortiz. Meanwhile, Ms. Miller’s Backstage Club creates all of the props for the production and builds the set.

Key partners in the production also include Kristen Dziuba, who teaches music, and Britney Schruefer, who is in charge of choreography. The HJSHS chorus and band teacher, Dave Staciak, runs sound for the production.

You can come support the musical by attending the Family Movie Night at the HJSHS on Friday, April 29th at 5pm. This is a family friendly event designed for children in PreK and older. Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase. Attendees will get into the Francophile spirit by watching the animated version of Beauty and the Beast. All proceeds will go towards the ornate costumes and prop production for the show.

Come, join us, and be our guests for these spectacular family events!