Squalicum High School is widely known for its sports. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Squalicum has an amazing choir and drama program as well. Recently, Squalicum put together the fantastic musical, “Beauty and the Beast.”
The story was first recorded by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, who lived in France. Called La Belle et la Bêt, Villeneuve’s tale has been abridged and republished in various formats, such as plays and movies. According to Spanish researchers, the original tale of the Beauty and the Beast originated about 4,000 years ago.
In September of 2016, casting began for Squalicum’s drama production. Many people tried out, but only a few were allowed to be on stage. Jake Bowen, a Freshman, was one of the skilled students allowed to be in the production. “As a Freshman, trying out for a role is kind-of intimidating,” Bowen said. He has a long history with singing and acting. He was part of several productions at Lynden Middle School, and started singing at a young age.
Bowen tried out for many roles, and got the part of Monsieur Dark. He was surprised but excited. “I do think some of my previous experience helped me get the role,” he said. “I had to beat a bunch of other people. It’s kind of cut-throat.” Jake was the only Freshman to get a solo in the play.
Jacob Liming, a Junior, has been an active member in the drama club. “I started doing drama as a Sophomore and continued with it throughout the year.” Liming said he wanted to do it Freshman year, but was participating in athletics instead. “Sports got in the way. So, I quit doing sports.”
Liming played the role of Lumier, the comedic, French candle stick. For the entire performance, he had to play his role with a French accent. When asked how many accents he can do, he proceeded to tell jokes in Scottish, British and Australian accents. He loves the drama experience. “Everyone bonds together, working towards the same goal. We’re in the trenches, but as a team.”
In the performing arts, the story is centered around a lead character. In a high school production, this role would usually be played by an upperclassman. In this play, a Sophomore played the lead of Bell by Sydney Glover. She has been performing since she was in Kindergarten. “I like singing,” Glover said. “It’s just fun for me.”
Glover wasn’t expecting to have the leading role in her second year of high school. In fact, she didn’t even try out her Freshman year. “I was really nervous,” she said. “I just didn’t think I would make it.” Fortunately, she had friends in drama club who convinced her to join.
“I didn’t think we would be ready for the play,” Glover said. “We didn’t even have the set finished right up until the first performance.” After asking many students who saw the play, all of them said it was a great performance. “It wasn’t all good.” Sydney said. “During the first performance, I fell down a flight of stairs coming offstage. My back was killing me, but I kept on going.” Other people were hurt during the play as well, including someone who had their foot run over while moving a set piece. Aside from these mishaps, the play went over smoothly.
Squalicum has one of the best football teams around, an excellent academic track record and one of the best drama clubs in Whatcom County. Students of many different backgrounds participate in drama, including football players, orchestra members and many more. Some sing, some play an instrument and some work behind the scenes. All have their role and all play their special part. “The lead doesn’t do everything,” Bowen said. “It takes an orchestra to play a symphony.”
