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God is at the center of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Shrek the Musical’ productions

Elizabeth A. Elliott | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Belle, played by Abby Rozmajzl, talks to her father, Maurice, played by Dave Morgan, in “Beauty and the Beast,” at All Saints Church Performing Arts Center in Manassas July 18-23. RICH ZAVADOWSKI | COURTESY

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The cast of “Beauty and the Beast” gathers on stage at All Saints Church Performing Arts Center in Manassas July 18-23. RICH ZAVADOWSKI | COURTESY

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Cast members of “Shrek The Musical” give a preview of the show’s music at St. Bernadette Church in Springfield July 16. The show is being performed at Bishop Ireton High School July 27-29. ELIZABETH A. ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

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A beauty, a beast and an ogre are teaching youths spiritual
lessons as part of the latest productions of the Upper Room Theatre Ministry in
Manassas and Summer Theatre Program in Alexandria.

Robert Tessier, director and producer of “Beauty and the Beast,” said
the young actors are learning how to put God at the center of the theatrical
process. The Upper Room Theatre Ministry’s 16th production “emphasizes the
value of the soul and human dignity, and being able to pull that out of someone
who may have muddied their soul,” said Tessier.

Abby Chaumont, the lead dancer, appreciates that rehearsals begin
and end with prayer. “Many of the older cast members are people I can look up
to (for guidance), and I hope to be as faithful and devoted as them when I am
older,” she said.

Marie Tessier, the Milkmaid, said there is a strong spirit of
service and faithfulness in the Manassas program. “We have a greater purpose
for our performance,” she said. “We know that our talents are a gift from God
so we gratefully share that gift to glorify Him and uplift the audience.”

“Beauty and the Beast” features professional costumes, lighting
and sound. The annual productions, which have included “Godspell,”
“Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Sound of Music,” are a major fundraiser for the Upper
Room Theatre Ministry, and provide opportunities for students to attend
WorkCamp in Fredericksburg or go on mission trips to Bánica, Dominican
Republic.

“Shrek The Musical” is the 21st production of the Summer Theatre
Program, a collaboration of St. Bernadette Church in Springfield and Bishop Ireton
High School in Alexandria. With more than 70 students in the cast and crew, the
staff tries to make sure everyone feels supported. During the several weeks of rehearsals,
Fridays were ministry nights, with prayer, games and fellowship, for spiritual
renewal and bonding.

Paloma Ferreira, assistant public relations and marketing manager
for the production, said the 30 staff members bond with each other first to
provide a foundation to give the cast. “It is really important for us to know everyone
by name and know how they are feeling,” she said.

Andrew Curtin, director of “Shrek The Musical,” said the students
are Catholic or from other denominations, which allows students to encounter
people of different backgrounds. “It shows how God is calling people together,”
he said.

Caroline Grass, a graduate of Woodson High School in Fairfax, stars
as Fiona in her first major role with the theatre ministry. “The program preaches
nothing but support, acceptance and family,” she said.

Students come from different schools and only see each other at
rehearsal. “We have this bond that is really special that cannot be found
anywhere else,” she said. “I was really lucky to have been a part of that.”

The newly established Nativity Players Theater Ministry at Church
of the Nativity in Burke is presenting “Godspell” through July 23. The production is being
directed by Kimberly Siepmann. According to a note from the director on the parish
website, “Those who know ‘Godspell’ understand that through the silly games and
stories depicting the parables and lessons Jesus taught, Jesus is bringing
together a group of very different people and making them into a community,”
she said. “Themes of kindness, tolerance, love, hope, growth and family abound.”

If you go

“Beauty and the Beast,” All Saints Church Performing Arts
Center, 9310 Stonewall Rd., Manassas, July 18-23, 7:30 p.m., and July 22-23 matinee
1 p.m., allsaintsyouthministry.org/theatre/tickets

“Godspell,” Church of the Nativity, 6400 Nativity Lane,Burke, July 21-23 at 7:30 p.m., and July 22-23 matinee at 2:30
p.m., nativityburke.org/nativityparish/theater-ticketing

“Shrek the Musical,” Bishop Ireton High School, 201
Cambridge Rd., Alexandria, July 27-29, 7:30 p.m., and July 29 matinee 1 p.m.,
summertheatreprogram.org/tickets

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