On Sunday, March 10, the cast and crew of The Beauty and the Beast prepared for their third and final performance. It was the two o’clock show, which is typically the time for last-minute viewers to file in and catch the musical, hoping to grab one of the empty seats in the last few rows. This time, though, many who showed up at Centennial Hall on Sunday afternoon were turned away at the doors. There was not a single open seat.
Before the weekend of sold-out performances came the “open dress rehearsal” on Thursday night, a final practice which is open to audience members for preview.
“That was our first real full run-through of the show and it went really well, and each night after that everyone just got better,” Sixth Former Render Ford said.
Ford, one of the leads, noted that this spring’s ensemble adopted the annual message of their director, Mr. Darren Hengst.
“Every year, what Mr. Hengst says is, ‘Make it your own show,’ and by Sunday afternoon, that’s what we did,” Ford said. “We really got into stride and everybody was playing their role to the best of their ability, and in their own way, which is what I think makes the show really special”
Mr. Hengst is committed to finding a role for everyone who auditions for the musical, which, this year, resulted in a cast and crew of nearly eighty students. Sixth Former Sebastian Golderer, another lead in the show, felt that each member of the team fulfilled their responsibility.
“I think overall the entire performance was wonderful,” Golderer said. “Everybody did their part, both cast and stage crew, along with the teachers. I think everything came together really well, and that this whole show was just a really well-oiled machine.”
“What made me want to do the musical this year was the family that comes with it. You spend so much time working together, and everyone just becomes closer.”
Adon Gross ’24
Part of the reason for this year’s enormous cast was the multitude of Sixth Formers joining, hoping to experience one more aspect of the school’s opportunities.
“I thought it was a good time; everyone was locked in and did their thing,” Sixth Former Adon Gross said. “What made me want to do the musical this year was the family that comes with it. You spend so much time working together, and everyone just becomes closer.”
The word “family” often comes up when discussing theater at Haverford. After their final performance, many key Sixth Form members were left reflecting on their time in the program. Golderer, who initially avoided the experience after switching schools, joined the performing arts in sophomore year.
“After the pandemic, I tried out Peter and the Starcatcher — which I had at least some experience with — and I just found this new home, this new family,” Golderer said. “Since then, I’ve done every show since sophomore year, and I’ve loved every single one, I’ve loved the cast of every single one, and I’ve built a lot of meaningful relationships that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Ford has had a similar experience with the program, which he has been involved in since fifth grade, and he cherishes the memories he has created over the years of auditions, rehearsals, and performances.
“I feel like the musical has really brought me a new community to be a part of, all throughout middle and upper school, and also I’ve met some amazing people,” Ford said. “It’s bittersweet to let go of all the juniors and seniors who have given so much to the program, and of course Mr. Hengst and [Middle School Theater Director] Ms. [Jenn] Hallmann, who have always been amazing mentors for me, it’s really hard letting them go as well.”
“I didn’t quite break down, but there will probably be a delayed reaction like a week from now for me, and I’ll just start crying my eyes out.”
Sebastian Golderer ’24
The emotions were apparent behind the scenes, but for some, the reality of leaving the program behind still has not entirely set in.
Golderer said, “There were definitely some waterworks from a few different people. I didn’t quite break down, but there will probably be a delayed reaction like a week from now for me, and I’ll just start crying my eyes out.”
Sunday’s packed house at Centennial is indicative of the performing arts’ reputation at the school, and in the rest of the Main Line. However, to Ford, what truly makes this school so special is that he is not defined by one talent — the musical was a place for him to realize a portion of his potential, without being restricted to a single identity.
“I think that’s something that’s special about Haverford,” Ford said. “I was able to do squash and theater without being thrown into just one of those categories, like, ‘He’s a squash kid’, or ‘He’s a theater kid’. Nobody has judged me for doing everything I’ve wanted to, and it’s enhanced my experience at Haverford as a whole.”
