69°F
weather icon Clear

A Smoky Valley curtain call: Youth theater debuts a Disney classic

SMOKY VALLEY — The Smoky Valley Youth Theater ended its maiden production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR this August after two months of rehearsing, dancing, singing, and learning culminated in performances that made the audience want more.

The 20-actor cast was amazing and impressive with their talent and dedication, according to those who saw the show.

Andrew Sweeney played multiple roles as the prince, the beast, Monsieur D’Arque and the baker.

“My favorite part of BATB JR was getting to be part of the team and meeting all the other cast members,” he said. “I didn’t feel nervous because we were very prepared for the performance.”

MaciAnn Sutherland, who portrayed Belle in the production, said her favorite thing was making new friends and connections through the production.

“The most challenging part was parts of the singing and trying to hit the higher notes,” she said.

Carson Grigory, who portrayed the hat salesman, candle salesman and Lumiere in the production, said it was also difficult to perfect his French accent.

The actors learned music and dance steps as part of their production.

“My favorite thing was learning all the songs and choreography,” said Delilah Court, who portrayed the butcher, a villager, a narrator and a feather duster in the production. “Normally, I’m very shy but performing in front of a crowd felt different and I wasn’t nervous at all.”

The production crew consisted entirely of volunteers and did an amazing job of creating a theater-like atmosphere with sound, lighting, set-design and execution.

Executive Director Loretta Wallace said the most incredible thing was seeing the actors grow in their craft as well as in their relationships with other cast members.

Wallace says one of her greatest joys was being able to direct the cast with her daughter, Ava Wilson, who served as the assistant director, choreographer and music director for this production.

“This group of young actors made an already spectacular story even more wonderful with their energy and their imagination,” Wilson said. “To say that I am proud of them would be an understatement.”

In addition to Wallace and Wilson, the Smoky Valley Youth Theater Executive Board comprises Thad Wind and JoAnna Stevenson.

Follow Smoky Valley Youth Theater on Facebook and find the group on Instagram IG@smokyvalleyyt.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
GALLERY: Tonopah clinic returns dental care

The community celebrated the grand opening after suffering for years without a dentist.

Cannabis regulators suspend Tonopah cultivator

Agents cite multiple irregularities at the operations that could pose public health and safety threats.

Go behind the scenes of the latest ‘Ghost Adventures‘ shoot in Tonopah

A film crew from a paranormal investigation show was in Nye County for two days earlier this month to interview eyewitnesses and historians for an upcoming episode of “Ghost Adventures” that was shot on location in Tonopah and surrounding areas.

NCSO named Agency of the Year by Dept. of Public Safety

Although no driver wants to see the flashing lights and sirens that indicate they are about to be pulled over, traffic enforcement is a crucial part of what any law enforcement agency does. In the Silver State, an initiative known as Joining Forces draws together jurisdictions from all across the state for a single purpose, traffic enforcement events aimed at ensuring that the rules of the road are being followed.