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Bridgeteens present Beauty and the Beast
By Radhika Dandeniya
'Tale as old as time,
song as old as rhyme...'
Presumably most if not all, Disney lovers know the words of this song from that charming childhood fairytale 'Beauty and the Beast'. Unmistakably a classic in its own right due to its evocative music, heartwarming characters and spell-binding fantasy, this much loved animation film has been turned into stage musicals worldwide.
St. Bridget's Convent, Colombo follows this trend by taking Belle, the Beast, Gaston and the rest of the Disney characters to the Lionel Wendt later this month. They bring to the stage, the music and magic that have made it such a storming success amongst children and adults across the globe.

In keeping with the school's tradition, past and present pupils form the production's cast. About 85 drama enthusiasts aged from 11 to 18 take to the stage after a month and a half of practices under the direction of former student and dramatist Indu Dharmasena. "We interact well with each other and that makes practices really fun!" says Indu.

The play is not entirely based on the Disney musical. Being a versatile playwright, the director has made alterations to the script, saying that some scenes will be done differently owing to the stage layouts. Nevertheless the costume, make-up, set design and soundtracks are from the original animated musical.

Soundarie David once again assumes the role as the play's music coordinator. As an accomplished pianist and member of the Holy Family Convent Choir, she teams up with keyboard player Neranjan de Silva for the musical accompaniment, as well as voice coaching. They both have extensive experience in overseeing the music in school productions. Soundarie too is a huge fan of 'Beauty and the Beast'."The songs are so passionate and stimulating," she says. What is most interesting about this production is that there are two to three actors for each role. Each one plays thier part on alternate days whilst the remaining two assume lesser roles.

Former St. Bridget's pupil Anouk Tillekeratne and 15-year-old Nadeeni Perera share the lead role of the heroine 'Belle'.

Both have nine years' singing experience behind them. Anouk has worked with Indu before and participated in Shakespearean acting competitions. Until now Nadeeni and Anouk have never undertaken a main role in a play. Asked what makes 'Belle' such an attractive character, they agreed it was her songs; "I love to sing her songs. and like her I sometimes sing when I am sad," says Anouk.

The charismatic candlestick "Lumiere" is played by 16-year-old Inakshi Sirimanna who declares that this is by far the best character in the play; "I prefer Lumiere to any other character, he is the only one who is positive and funny!" she says. O'Level pupil Raaidah Wahab plays Lumiere's lover, the seductive feather duster. She prefers drama to anything else, having taken to it since she was six. Both enjoy working together and have immense fun in their scenes. "Nothing is worth doing if it's not worth your best," says Inakshi. "In other words give it your best shot!"

Male chauvinist and allround bad guy in the musical, Gaston, is also portrayed by two Bridgeteens, one past, one present. Michelle Herft and Sulochana Dissanayake say that he is nice to act, because he is so evil.

Past pupil Sanjana Selvarajah completes the play's dastardly dense duo, being one of the three playing Gaston's sidekick 'Lefou'.

Indu takes on the lead role of the gentle yet mysterious Beast. Being the most senior performer she says, "Most of the girls in the cast are very shy as they have never done a major production like this before. By playing the lead I can boost their confidence!" Head of Yolande School of Speech and Drama Samantha Abeywira de Soysa will feature as guest narrator to the prologue describing how the prince became the beast.

Indu believes that 'Beauty and the Beast' is a favourite among the public because it is unlike other fairytales. "It is not a traditional fairytale because it brings out the fact that those who are beautiful such as Gaston, are not necessarily so on the inside," she explains.

The musical opens on May 17, at 7 p.m. Repeat performances are on May 18, 19, 23, 24 and 25.

Etiquette
When you are alone
By Nedra Wickremesinghe

Question: I am a female business executive working for a multinational organization. Of late I have begun to travel on work. Could you give me some tips that will be useful when I am overseas?

Answer: Check with your travel agent how safe your hotel is for a single traveller like you. Location too counts as you may want to avoid the sleazy and unsafe areas when you are on your own. You can inform the reception that you are on your own. Never let anyone whom you haven't invited or requested through your hotel like the electrician or plumber,into your room without first checking with reception or housekeeping.

Question: Is it alright for me to invite a male business associate for a meal? Who should pick up the tab at the end of it?

Answer: The wisest thing would be to invite your guest to dine with you in one of the restaurants in your hotel. To avoid any misunderstanding about the business entertaining, arrange for the bill to be charged to your room. If an associate with whom you are not that acquainted asks you out to dinner, be wary about putting yourself in a vulnerable situation. Be on equal terms and pay for your share of the meal.

Question: I feel odd to eat alone at the hotel restaurant. Is it okay for a woman to have a meal alone?

Answer: Depends on which part of the world you are in and what time of the day it is. If you are on a breakfast and bed package - yes by all means go down and eat. Somehow it doesn't seem proper for a woman to be dining alone, especially in Asia. I think you are better off dining alone in the confines of your room.

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