Review of our June, 2006 Production of Beauty and the Beast
An arrogant prince has been punished with a curse, turning him into a hideous beast and the rest of
the castle’s household into animated “things.” The only way to break the spell before it becomes
permanent is for the Beast to fall in love with someone, and have her to fall in love in return. Ten years
later, time is growing short and the cursed inhabitants are feeling helpless. For who could ever love a
beast?
Hopefully a beauty named Belle, the heroine of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast that Rising Curtain put
on this summer in Arvada, Colorado. Ariel Ellis, despite having the same name as The Little Mermaid,
had apparently been preparing for this role for quite some time, with the program including pictures of
her as a young girl with a Belle birthday cake and tucked into Beauty and the Beast bed sheets. All
those years of preparation paid off as Ariel infuses her character with a truly remarkable personality
and a natural feel for both the comedy and drama of Belle. Her big and furry leading man is the Beast,
Isaiah Farago, who is especially effective when playing off of Belle. It’s clear from his clumsy dinner
invitation to Belle, his reactions as Belle administers to his wounds, and when she’s reading the story
of King Arthur to him, that she is the one who can save him from a life of misery.
Then there’s the man who thinks he’s the leading man.
Tony DeWitt is a hoot as the vain, cocky, and hopelessly lost in himself Gaston, using his posture and
voice well. Tony and Ariel are a riot in his song about Me as he asks Belle to marry him. Jared Jenkins
is his silly sidekick LeFou, and the silly girls who chase after Gaston are played energetically by
Amanda Jenkins, Janelle Sidars, and Amanda Wittek. Andrew Long is the fun and flirty Lumiere who
meets his match in the funny and flirtatious feather duster Babette (Rachel Irvin). Geoffrey Lohr is
Lumiere’s straight man as the stuffy and proper Cogsworth. Elsewhere, Claire LeBorgne lends her
nice, motherly voice to Mrs. Potts, Cole Franklin is her cute, little boy Chip, Bethany Krebs is the
amusing, opera-singing Wardrobe, and Joe Barros is Belle’s father Maurice.
Although the opening production has many long breaks between scenes that can take one out of the
show, the breaks are usually softened by musical interludes by the accompanist. Overall, Director
Tammy Franklin’s show is very successful with some fine costumes (Kay Nice) and terrific
performances telling this tale as old as time.
Rob Hopper, National Youth Theatre www.nationalyouththeatre.com
An arrogant prince has been punished with a curse, turning him into a hideous beast and the rest of
the castle’s household into animated “things.” The only way to break the spell before it becomes
permanent is for the Beast to fall in love with someone, and have her to fall in love in return. Ten years
later, time is growing short and the cursed inhabitants are feeling helpless. For who could ever love a
beast?
Hopefully a beauty named Belle, the heroine of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast that Rising Curtain put
on this summer in Arvada, Colorado. Ariel Ellis, despite having the same name as The Little Mermaid,
had apparently been preparing for this role for quite some time, with the program including pictures of
her as a young girl with a Belle birthday cake and tucked into Beauty and the Beast bed sheets. All
those years of preparation paid off as Ariel infuses her character with a truly remarkable personality
and a natural feel for both the comedy and drama of Belle. Her big and furry leading man is the Beast,
Isaiah Farago, who is especially effective when playing off of Belle. It’s clear from his clumsy dinner
invitation to Belle, his reactions as Belle administers to his wounds, and when she’s reading the story
of King Arthur to him, that she is the one who can save him from a life of misery.
Then there’s the man who thinks he’s the leading man.
Tony DeWitt is a hoot as the vain, cocky, and hopelessly lost in himself Gaston, using his posture and
voice well. Tony and Ariel are a riot in his song about Me as he asks Belle to marry him. Jared Jenkins
is his silly sidekick LeFou, and the silly girls who chase after Gaston are played energetically by
Amanda Jenkins, Janelle Sidars, and Amanda Wittek. Andrew Long is the fun and flirty Lumiere who
meets his match in the funny and flirtatious feather duster Babette (Rachel Irvin). Geoffrey Lohr is
Lumiere’s straight man as the stuffy and proper Cogsworth. Elsewhere, Claire LeBorgne lends her
nice, motherly voice to Mrs. Potts, Cole Franklin is her cute, little boy Chip, Bethany Krebs is the
amusing, opera-singing Wardrobe, and Joe Barros is Belle’s father Maurice.
Although the opening production has many long breaks between scenes that can take one out of the
show, the breaks are usually softened by musical interludes by the accompanist. Overall, Director
Tammy Franklin’s show is very successful with some fine costumes (Kay Nice) and terrific
performances telling this tale as old as time.
Rob Hopper, National Youth Theatre www.nationalyouththeatre.com
This article appeared in the Arvada Press Newspaper in August of 2006:
A (von Trapp) family affair- 'Sound of Music' comes alive
August 10, 2006 By Briana Hovendick
Amid the sounds of tearing paper, rustling costumes and the scuffling of shoes, Tammy Franklin
calls for her actors, anxious to begin the dress rehearsal. "Where are my nuns?" she said.
Franklin, the director of Arvada's Rising Curtain Theatre and Dance Academy production of "The
Sound of Music," is busy dealing with details, making sure light floods the stage at the right moment
and the scene changes are smooth. The show opens in a few short days and needs to be as close
to perfect as possible. The nuns scramble onstage, the lights go down and the music starts.
"The Sound of Music," a summer staple in community theaters everywhere, tells the story of Maria, a
spirited singer who leaves her home at an abbey in the Austrian Alps to look after the seven children
of Captain Georg von Trapp, a widowed naval officer. The captain and the children soon fall in love
with Maria.
Theatergoers will have the opportunity to sing themselves at a special sing-along performance Aug.
13, when ordinary theater decorum will be suspended and the audience can join the fun, Franklin
said. A few of her students will lead the audience through vocal warm-ups beforehand, she said.
Choosing "The Sound of Music" as the theater's summer production was easy, Franklin said.
"Everyone wants to be in it and everyone wants to see it," she said.
Backstage, actors fuss with their costumes. Jani Davis, who plays a nun and a party guest, waits in
the hall, listening for her daughter singing on stage. Four of Davis' five children are in one of the two
casts — daughters Faith and Grace and son Ian play von Trapp children, and daughter Hope plays a
nun.
The family has been rehearsing twice a week since May. The complex show is a lot of work, Davis
said, but she enjoys sharing the experience with her kids.
The show is a family affair for others as well. Next to the stage, musical director Lauri Johnson
provides the keyboard accompaniment as her daughter Katie Jo perches on a stool and turns the
pages of the music for her. Johnson's daughter Courtney is also a nun in the show.
Torrey Jenkins, who plays Captain von Trapp, has been in several musicals at Rising Curtain, and he
enjoys this one because of the music and the characters, he said.
"They all have depth to them," Jenkins said.
A (von Trapp) family affair- 'Sound of Music' comes alive
August 10, 2006 By Briana Hovendick
Amid the sounds of tearing paper, rustling costumes and the scuffling of shoes, Tammy Franklin
calls for her actors, anxious to begin the dress rehearsal. "Where are my nuns?" she said.
Franklin, the director of Arvada's Rising Curtain Theatre and Dance Academy production of "The
Sound of Music," is busy dealing with details, making sure light floods the stage at the right moment
and the scene changes are smooth. The show opens in a few short days and needs to be as close
to perfect as possible. The nuns scramble onstage, the lights go down and the music starts.
"The Sound of Music," a summer staple in community theaters everywhere, tells the story of Maria, a
spirited singer who leaves her home at an abbey in the Austrian Alps to look after the seven children
of Captain Georg von Trapp, a widowed naval officer. The captain and the children soon fall in love
with Maria.
Theatergoers will have the opportunity to sing themselves at a special sing-along performance Aug.
13, when ordinary theater decorum will be suspended and the audience can join the fun, Franklin
said. A few of her students will lead the audience through vocal warm-ups beforehand, she said.
Choosing "The Sound of Music" as the theater's summer production was easy, Franklin said.
"Everyone wants to be in it and everyone wants to see it," she said.
Backstage, actors fuss with their costumes. Jani Davis, who plays a nun and a party guest, waits in
the hall, listening for her daughter singing on stage. Four of Davis' five children are in one of the two
casts — daughters Faith and Grace and son Ian play von Trapp children, and daughter Hope plays a
nun.
The family has been rehearsing twice a week since May. The complex show is a lot of work, Davis
said, but she enjoys sharing the experience with her kids.
The show is a family affair for others as well. Next to the stage, musical director Lauri Johnson
provides the keyboard accompaniment as her daughter Katie Jo perches on a stool and turns the
pages of the music for her. Johnson's daughter Courtney is also a nun in the show.
Torrey Jenkins, who plays Captain von Trapp, has been in several musicals at Rising Curtain, and he
enjoys this one because of the music and the characters, he said.
"They all have depth to them," Jenkins said.
More about "The Sound of Music"
Submitted By: Brenda Vlassen posted on 8/10/2006
I attended this performance and it was just wonderful. This cast's portrayals of the characters we
know and love were their own take, but did not stray from the story. The music was amazing- it
sounded like a whole orchestra was playing and it was only one talented woman on a keyboard. The
girl who played Maria was so good and had such a pretty voice and the Captain- although he was
pretty young- could sing and was so dreamy! All of the children were so good- I especially liked
Brigitta's character. This show was very well directed- the talents of all the performers really shined. I
loved the nuns and they were all different ages- I bet they had fun doing this together. I will tell
everyone about this school and how much fun this show was. I will get tickets to every production
they do! It was really Arvada theater at it's best... thanks for a fun evening.
Submitted By: Brenda Vlassen posted on 8/10/2006
I attended this performance and it was just wonderful. This cast's portrayals of the characters we
know and love were their own take, but did not stray from the story. The music was amazing- it
sounded like a whole orchestra was playing and it was only one talented woman on a keyboard. The
girl who played Maria was so good and had such a pretty voice and the Captain- although he was
pretty young- could sing and was so dreamy! All of the children were so good- I especially liked
Brigitta's character. This show was very well directed- the talents of all the performers really shined. I
loved the nuns and they were all different ages- I bet they had fun doing this together. I will tell
everyone about this school and how much fun this show was. I will get tickets to every production
they do! It was really Arvada theater at it's best... thanks for a fun evening.
Here are some words from our families:
The Rising Curtain is an extraordinary theatre school! All of the instructors genuinely care about each
child or teen and that care comes through clearly in a number of ways. I recently recommended the
program to a friend for her 4 year old daughter. This adorable child is sweet and expressive, but shy
and withdrawn until she is comfortable with the people and atmosphere surrounding her, so I was
uncertain of how she would respond to the class for little ones, producing "The Wizard of Oz". The
instructors, Ariel Ellis and Gail Dewitt, handled the situation perfectly. By the time of the performance,
this little 4 year old was comfortable on stage, excited about playing her parts and begging her mom
to take the next class offering- quite a shift!
From personal experience, all of the instructors, especially Tammy Franklin, have shown ongoing
care, concern and compassion for my daughter over the years. While my teen has struggled with
depression, anxiety, and self-acceptance, Tammy and Rising Curtain have been there to support
and encourage her through many significant milestones. Further, the atmosphere fostered by all the
staff at Rising Curtain creates an environment that encourages the other students to show that same
level of care and concern. Even after a lengthy absence, my daughter was warmly welcomed back to
class and made to feel a part of the group - an unusual occurrence among most teens today! I feel
that my daughters' participation in her class at Rising Curtain is so valuable that although we have
moved, I continue to drive 2 1/2 hours to the school, twice a month, so that she can remain a part of
the class.
Each performance by Rising Curtain strives to showcase the very best that each student can give
and encourages all participants, whether on stage, or back stage, to learn, grow and achieve their
goals in a positive, productive and supportive environment. I think any child or teen would benefit
from participation in Rising Curtain productions whether they have Broadway or Hollywood in view, or
if they just want a place where they can gain self-confidence in being their best selves!
Kay Nice, volunteer & RC parent
**************************************************************************************************************
My ten year old daughter has been in theatre for five years and has performed in 12 musicals. We
first joined The Rising Curtain Theatre after her audition for "The Sound of Music". As an experienced
actress, my daughter found the program challenging and enlightening. Under the guidance of a team
of excellent and caring director's she was able to tremendously improve her singing, dancing and
acting skills. In addition, the show itself was produced with a great deal of professionalism as it
received carefully planned marketing and technical support.
Our family fully endorses The Rising Curtain Theatre as a highly accredited performing arts theatre.
Pamela M. DeCarlo, volunteer & RC parent
**************************************************************************************************************
Gail DeWitt has worked wonders with my daughter (5) and son (3) over the past year. My daughter
took her very first dance class from Gail. Gail took the children from knowing nothing to a full dance
recital in just a few months. The children respond so well to Gail because she has the necessary
combination of dance skill, teaching skill, and endless patience. She makes classes fun!
More recently, both of my children were featured in the Wizard of Oz. It was amazing to see them
perform for a roomful of people. And my kids loved going to practice each week, because it was FUN.
Lori Dowd, RC parent
The Rising Curtain is an extraordinary theatre school! All of the instructors genuinely care about each
child or teen and that care comes through clearly in a number of ways. I recently recommended the
program to a friend for her 4 year old daughter. This adorable child is sweet and expressive, but shy
and withdrawn until she is comfortable with the people and atmosphere surrounding her, so I was
uncertain of how she would respond to the class for little ones, producing "The Wizard of Oz". The
instructors, Ariel Ellis and Gail Dewitt, handled the situation perfectly. By the time of the performance,
this little 4 year old was comfortable on stage, excited about playing her parts and begging her mom
to take the next class offering- quite a shift!
From personal experience, all of the instructors, especially Tammy Franklin, have shown ongoing
care, concern and compassion for my daughter over the years. While my teen has struggled with
depression, anxiety, and self-acceptance, Tammy and Rising Curtain have been there to support
and encourage her through many significant milestones. Further, the atmosphere fostered by all the
staff at Rising Curtain creates an environment that encourages the other students to show that same
level of care and concern. Even after a lengthy absence, my daughter was warmly welcomed back to
class and made to feel a part of the group - an unusual occurrence among most teens today! I feel
that my daughters' participation in her class at Rising Curtain is so valuable that although we have
moved, I continue to drive 2 1/2 hours to the school, twice a month, so that she can remain a part of
the class.
Each performance by Rising Curtain strives to showcase the very best that each student can give
and encourages all participants, whether on stage, or back stage, to learn, grow and achieve their
goals in a positive, productive and supportive environment. I think any child or teen would benefit
from participation in Rising Curtain productions whether they have Broadway or Hollywood in view, or
if they just want a place where they can gain self-confidence in being their best selves!
Kay Nice, volunteer & RC parent
**************************************************************************************************************
My ten year old daughter has been in theatre for five years and has performed in 12 musicals. We
first joined The Rising Curtain Theatre after her audition for "The Sound of Music". As an experienced
actress, my daughter found the program challenging and enlightening. Under the guidance of a team
of excellent and caring director's she was able to tremendously improve her singing, dancing and
acting skills. In addition, the show itself was produced with a great deal of professionalism as it
received carefully planned marketing and technical support.
Our family fully endorses The Rising Curtain Theatre as a highly accredited performing arts theatre.
Pamela M. DeCarlo, volunteer & RC parent
**************************************************************************************************************
Gail DeWitt has worked wonders with my daughter (5) and son (3) over the past year. My daughter
took her very first dance class from Gail. Gail took the children from knowing nothing to a full dance
recital in just a few months. The children respond so well to Gail because she has the necessary
combination of dance skill, teaching skill, and endless patience. She makes classes fun!
More recently, both of my children were featured in the Wizard of Oz. It was amazing to see them
perform for a roomful of people. And my kids loved going to practice each week, because it was FUN.
Lori Dowd, RC parent
| Miracle on 34th Street Dec., 2006 |
| Damn Yankees April, 2007 |
| Beauty & the Beast June, 2006 |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
Joe Boyd can’t take it anymore. Those damn Yankees are beating his lowly Washington Senators yet
again, and he would sell his soul to change the course of the baseball season. Enter Mr. Applegate,
a.k.a. the Devil, who has the power to make such a deal. He can turn middle-aged Joe Boyd into a
young baseball superstar who will burst on the scene under the alias Joe Hardy and lead the
Senators over the Yankees. But is that really worth his soul? Or a life without his wife?
Director Tammy Franklin and her Rising Curtain Theatre & Dance Company in Denver capture the
comedy and especially the heart of this musical with their production. That heart is centered in the
Boyd home, where every movement and subtle expression by baseball widow Meg (Ariel Ellis) makes
her love and loyalty to her husband palpable, all while capturing the role’s comedy as well. As Joe
Boyd, Elliot Clough begins as a callous husband who has grown to take his wife for granted, but his
tender regret upon leaving her to make the deal with the devil is nicely portrayed. And his return in an
effort to comfort Meg as the young Joe Hardy (Johnathan Hicks) is a powerful duet beautifully sung by
Johnathan and a wistful Ariel who is heartbroken but trying to hold onto hope that her husband will
come back home.
Johnathan Hicks is a meek and humble Joe Hardy who would appear to be in trouble in his dealing
with Mr. Applegate and his assistant, “a very nice girl from Chicago” named Lola. Isaiah Farago is a
cool and relaxed Mr. Applegate whose confidence in his deal, and in his assistant, slowly begins to
waver. He shines in his nostalgic solo Those Were the Gold Old Days that includes some suave tap
moves (especially for a beginner) choreographed by Jaclyn O’Hara and spiced up with some
moonwalking and a little baton twirling with his cane.
Whether he’s happy with the performance of his assistant or not, Lola deserves to get Whatever Lola
Wants with Kelly Oury’s sensational performance – first as the cocky and seductive Lola who makes a
hilarious play for a terrified Joe Hardy, and later as the genuinely moved Lola who is touched by Joe’s
love for his wife, regretful for how her existence has played out, and hopeful that Joe gets back to Meg
no matter what Mr. Applegate’s wrath may hold (which includes some taunting that she’s losing her
touch after 172 years).
Other good performances come from Hannah Jenkins and Jaclyn O’Hara as Meg’s amusing
baseball- and men-obsessed friends, Nick DeWitt as a gruffly comical owner of the ball club, and
Geoffrey Lohr and Tony DeWitt leading a great bunch of ballplayers in (You’ve Gotta Have) Heart and
about choosing The Game over the dames. And then there’s the mega-watt talent Janelle Orsborn as
the dynamic, clever, and saucy reporter Gloria Thorpe who leads the great cast in energetic
celebration (choreographed by Gail DeWitt) of the newly discovered Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO,
but who then starts digging into Joe Hardy’s damn mysterious past. A dig that may determine the
direction of Joe’s soul and, of course, the entire baseball season.
Rob Hopper, National Youth Theatre www.nationalyouththeatre.com