Montezuma-Cortez High School’s musical “Beauty and the Beast” was sold out for its final weekend, marking the first time a play has sold out at the high school in at least 14 years.
People were turned away from the door on the final three nights.
“It was so exciting to sell out the last three shows, but it was disappointing to have to turn some people away,” MCHS drama program director Nicholaus Sandner told The Journal. “This is the first time in the 14 years I've taught in Cortez that we've sold out a show, so it was thrilling to know that there was that much interest in the show.”
Sandner said all the preparation for the play paid off, as it became a magical performance that captivated audience members.
“The play came together so well. All the hard work and long hours really paid off when we started putting the show in front of audiences,” Sandner said. “It's always fun to see how the students step up their performances. It becomes real magic onstage.”
He added that it’s exciting to see theater performances growing in popularity in the area.
“The drama program has really grown over the years, and I think we've reached the capacity of people we can fit on the stage and now in the audience, as well,” he said. “It's great to see that there is a huge interest in live theatrical performances in Cortez, and it has been fun to be a part of that.”
While every aspect of the play was enjoyed by the audience, Sandner said “big production numbers” like “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston” were highlights for the cast and audience alike, and that the cast members were able to become more and more comfortable playing their characters throughout the course of the show.
He also thanked the community for their support and interest in the musical.
“Marla Sitton and I would like to thank the community for the tremendous support of our productions over the years. We love working with all the community members in the pit orchestra, cast and crew, and we love seeing everyone who comes to see the shows. It's such a blessing to be a part of unifying the community through the performing arts,” Sandner finished.
