The Performing Arts Department is putting on the play of romance, “Beauty and the Beast,” with custom set pieces and special effects courtesy of Dragonflicks on March 14 to 16.
Dragonflicks has created several props for the play with the help of Dragonflicks Technical Director Mr. Elias Bourjeili, ranging from a fabrication of Maurice’s hat to Chip’s cart, designed in a way for it to appear that Chip’s head has no body attached to it. There will also be strange props, such as a rubber chicken. In addition to the traditional props used, Dragonflicks will be adding in new special effects for audience enjoyment.
“If any of you saw the production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that we did in 2006, our goal is to top that show,” Dragonflicks Advisor Mr. Michael Kidd said. “We plan to have actual fire and pyrotechnics on stage at different parts of the show.”
Dragonflicks is renting effects from Fireworks and Stage FX America, companies that specialize in pyrotechnics. Effects will be placed in front of set pieces or held by actors. In order for Dragonflicks to determine where to place the effects, the production team meets and discusses specific areas of interest so that they can inform the technical directors.
The Beast’s mirror is adorned with special effects and lighting to give the illusion of magic. There will also be a replica of the Enchanted Rose, which will drop petals throughout the entire show. As you might already know, the Beast will not live happily ever after if he does not learn to love before all the petals drop from the rose.
For smooth scene-to-scene transitions, Dragonflicks worked with one company to rent set pieces and also created its own pieces. Crew members will move the stage pieces around throughout the duration of the show, with the exception of the Beast’s Castle, which will stay onstage. For the final scene with Gaston, Dragonflicks has built a set piece specifically for his grand dramatic exit from the show.
“Designing a set piece is almost like walking into your first day of school during freshman year,” Dragonflicks Student Technical Director Senior Simon Chau said. “You have an idea of what you expect to happen, but then you realize that there’s much more to the process.”
The stage crew has been working diligently, building and decorating set pieces, planning special effects and making creative props for everyone. They hope to make the 50th anniversary of the musicals a show that we will all remember.