Theologia Ladas and Ryan Smart play Belle and Gaston in West Seneca West’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Another member of the cast described Ladas as having “the perfect princess voice.”

There are always many details that go into presenting a musical, but this year, the students at West Seneca West High School have taken on what might be a more daunting task than usual: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

The show, which will have a four-day run next week, has a more than 60-member cast, not including those students who are part of the technical crew or pit orchestra.

In this year’s production, senior Alexis Tymorek has landed her biggest role to date, being one of the “Silly Girls” — the three women vying for antagonist Gaston’s heart.

Tymorek has been in the musicals for all four years of high school and sees the importance of a group mentality in achieving successful performances. She said the cast recently attended a showing of “Beauty and the Beast” in 3-D as a sort of bonding exercise, although the cast is already fairly tight-knit.

“It’s like hanging out with 65 of my best friends,” said Tymorek of coming to rehearsals. She added that this is what makes the long hours and hard work not only worth it, but relatively easy.

The actress also noted the value in appreciating all those involved, both on and off stage.

“We would be lost without the people in the black box,” she said.

The students responsible for the technical aspects of the show are a young crowd this year but are putting their best foot forward according to technical and student director Megan Murray.

Murray, who is a sophomore, said the behind the-scenes aspects of the show can prove to be challenging at times.

Matt Massanti, Duncan Lattanzio and Eddie Alba will perform as Cogsworth, the Beast and Lumiere, respectively, in the production of "Beauty and the Beast" at West Seneca West High School. Opening night is Wednesday, Feb. 8, and the show runs through Saturday, Feb. 11. Photos by Jim Smerecak. Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

“It’s a lot to take on. There is definitely always something to do, and it can be pretty hectic, but I think that the end product is what makes it all worth it,” she said.

A returning tech member, Murray said she very much hopes and expects to continue her role in the school’s musical throughout the remainder of her high school years.

For leading lady Theologia Ladas, that time is quickly drawing to a close.

The fourth-year veteran of the program landed the role of Belle in this year’s performance, which was no easy task.

After initial auditions were held, a large number of girls were called back for a second audition.

From that point, a third audition was held with four students up for the coveted role, and following that, Ladas landed the position of Belle.

“I don’t want to think about it being almost over. It’s really been a dream,” she said.

Ladas also noted the importance of all of the student roles in the creation of a well-rounded musical.

She and one other cast member recently rehearsed with the orchestra for the first time and according to Ladas, “They sounded really great.”

The leading lady said that while she is nervous to take the stage with such a major role, she plans on making confidence her mantra.

Performances of the show are scheduled for 7 p.m. every evening from Wednesday, Feb. 8, through Saturday, Feb. 11, with tickets costing $10 each.

There also will be a 1 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets for that performance are $7.

The school is also hosting a “Tea with Belle” event from 11:15 to 12:45 p.m. before the matinee show. Those with a ticket can come and meet Belle, have their picture taken with her, snack on sandwiches and more.

Tickets for the event are $8. For more information, as well as to order tickets, call 677-3372.

email: jhalm@beenews.com