Fairgrounds’ ‘Beauty’ effort applauded

NASHUA – The Fairgrounds Middle School Music Department’s young actors and stage crew have earned accolades for their recent production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” directed by chorus teacher Mary Pispitsos. “There were cries, laughter and applause for the 33 cast members from sixth through eighth grades,” parent Sharon Kilduff said. The cast was led by Christina Higginson, as Belle; Cameron Richard, as Beast; Peter Minch as Maurice; Cole Humber, Gaston; Joshua Tramack, Lefou; Daniel Pinheiro, Lumiere; Randy Klayton, Cogsworth; Sarah Drake, Mrs. Potts; Kelsie Dawe, Chip; Angela Demanche, Babette; and Rebecca Hillman, Madame de la Grande Bouche, and ensemble. “The young actors at Fairgrounds Middle School went above and beyond expectations,” parent Lena Pinheiro said. The March 23-25 production was also accompanied by a live orchestra of FMS students led by band teacher Tom Souza. “What truly made this production special was how so many parts of the Fairgrounds community came together to make this production happen,” Kilduff said. The art department created the Beast’s mask and painted the scenery for the set – Rob Lalime and Maria Morris; the student council led by Kathleen Karvelas created the fliers, programs and chocolate roses; the microphones and sound board was managed and run by special education teacher Andy Paul; the box office was run by staff member Tracey Grosvenor, and Bill Dubois and the tech ed department helped with the set. Costumes were handmade by parent volunteers Jessica Jordan and Lena Pinheiro along with Jessica’s daughter Sofia. “They received raving reviews,” Kilduff said.