As is tradition at Presentation Secondary School, Waterford, the Transition Year (TY) students have been working hard since September to stage an incredible musical. The TY class of 2024/2025 delivered a spectacular performance of Beauty and the Beast Jr. on the evenings of the 11th, 12th, and 13th of March. However, before those magical nights, all involved poured immense effort into preparing the show.
On 18th September, the TY students auditioned for various roles, showcasing their singing, acting, and dancing skills in the hope of being selected. Once cast, they were divided into three groups: the main cast, the dancers, and the ensemble. Each group dedicated themselves to their respective roles, rehearsing every Wednesday and Thursday. During this time, students were encouraged to sell tickets for the annual fundraising bingo. The students, staff, and local community came together and exceeded expectations with outstanding ticket sales, securing the production of Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Throughout the months leading up to the performance, the students and staff worked tirelessly to perfect every aspect of the show. The main cast rehearsed scenes with musical director Mr. Mark Scanlon and assistant director Ms. Erica Brennan, the dancers mastered their choreography under the guidance of Mr. Pat Grant, and the ensemble crafted props, photo frames, and the programme for the musical.
As the performance dates approached, rehearsals intensified, with the TYs dedicating an entire week to final preparations. They refined their acting, perfected their dance routines, and helped set up the stage. Their commitment extended beyond school hours, with students and teachers coming in on Sunday, 9th March, for a technical rehearsal.
On Monday, 10th March, the TYs had their first full run-through in front of an audience, performing for a hall packed with primary school children and their teachers.
The run of shows began with Tuesday’s performance, which showcased all the hard work undertaken by students and staff. Wednesday and Thursday saw a full house, with the crowd erupting in excitement and applause.
The show featured standout performances by Holly Coogan as Belle, Mary Jane McGuire as the Beast, Charlie Lynch as Gaston, and Chloe Byrne as Mrs Potts, alongside many other talented students. The entire main cast delivered captivating performances, fully embodying their characters with dedication and skill.
Holly’s portrayal of Belle was exceptional; she brought warmth and kindness to the role, delivering a stunning range of emotions through her acting and captivating the audience with her angelic voice.
As the Beast, Mary Jane skilfully portrayed the character’s transformation from fearsome to kind-hearted. Her commitment never wavered, even under layers of makeup and a fake beard that made her nearly unrecognisable.
Charlie’s performance as Gaston was outstanding. Her acting, singing, and dancing combined to create a character who was both detestable and entertaining, staying true to the original while making the role her own.
Chloe’s performance as Mrs Potts allowed her to showcase both her acting and singing talents. She embodied the motherly teapot with ease and enchanted the audience with her beautiful vocals.
The ensemble played a crucial role in bringing the setting to life. Their collective efforts helped create the bustling town scenes and the chilling mob, ensuring an immersive experience for the audience.
The dancers brought energy and rhythm to the production, performing expertly choreographed routines. Each dancer dedicated weeks to mastering their movements, leaving the audience captivated and engaged.
Overall, this year’s TY musical was a fantastic opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones, develop new skills, and have fun. The three nights of performances were truly spectacular—a testament to the immense effort the students put into perfecting the show, securing funding, and promoting it.
By Alessandra Ghercă