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Veteran Performers Ella Mathis Miller and Dawson Kulp Lead STHS Theatre Production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with Opening Night Performance this Weekend
Johnston, SC – Live shows of the classic Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast” require a lot of leading actors and this weekend’s Strom Thurmond High School Theatre performances lay in the capable hands of veteran performers Ella Mathis Miller as Belle and Dawson Kulp as the Beast.
The talented freshman and junior students, respectively, headline a large ensemble cast of gifted actors and performers alongside a dedicated parent and community support team, with Opening Night on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Additional showtimes are Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.sttheatre.ludus.com.
“I’m really excited and a little nervous, but we’re going to have some great shows,” stated Ella Mathis ahead of the cast’s traditional Patron Night performance this week on Thursday (Nov. 3). “I’ve been performing in shows here at Strom Thurmond High School since I was in the second grade and I’ve also performed with The Augusta Players so it’s something I really enjoy. This is my first time performing in this new theatre, so it’s going to be awesome.”
She says her favorite moments include a specific song in the musical and the musical’s climactic scene.
“I really like it when I get to sing the song ‘home’, it’s one of my favorite parts of the show,” Ella Mathis added. “I also love when the beast turns back into the prince at the end. That’s really fun.”
For Dawson Kulp, moving into a lead role for a Strom Thurmond High School Theatre production feels like a natural progression, and it should. Like Ella Mathis, he’s been a part of the group’s annual performances for years, but he is also following in the talented footsteps of not one, but two of his older brothers.
“We definitely have a tradition in my family,” commented Dawson, “My oldest brother Nathan was in multiple plays and then my brother Brantson took on the big roles and now I finally get to step into their shoes. It’s very fulfilling.”
He says he enjoys the totality of the creative process, putting a musical together from the ground up and seeing the tremendous effort and commitment pay immediate dividends when the bright lights come on.
“Performing is the definition of hard work that pays off,” Dawson added. “You have to be hard on yourself and practice, practice, and practice some more, but once you get on stage and the lights are shining you finally realize you have made it. I really like how different this character is from roles I’ve had in the past and I like the music I get to sing.”
The production is led by STHS Theatre director Steven McKinney, choreographer Julia Crider, musical director Clare Henry and assistant director Tyler McKinney. Lead actors include Miller in the role of Belle, Kulp as the Beast, Daniel Mims as Gaston, Lillian Cockrell as Mrs. Potts, Jessie Dampier as LeFou, Colton Johnson as Maurice, Tobias Knight as Lumiere, Reece Lowe as the Baker, Truman Massey as Chip, Nathan Milling as D’Arque, Kiersten Skinner as Babette, Lilly Smith as the Enchantress, Jari Smith as Cogsworth, Brandon Thomas as the Prince and Cara Williams as the Wardrobe.
Additional cast members include Mina Allen, Riley Brightharp, Ayden Culver, Natalie Dolph, Shamarion Freeman, Chloe Galloway, Molly Harling, Karalynn Hecker, Cleo Heitmann, Breylie Hodson, Shakyla Jones, Jericka Jones-Mason, Lily Latham, Dixie Latham, Carter Massey, Olivia O’Gorman, Michaela Owen, Makayla Rushton, Sunasia Saxon, Chief Spicer, Mason Toothman, Jenasys Washington, Cara Williams, Harmony Williams-Talbert, Allie Wise, and Lila Wood.
“Our students are extremely talented and it’s just a great group,” stated STHS Theatre Director Steven McKinney. “Dawson Kulp started with us when he was just a little guy and Ella Mathis started with me years ago as well, so I’m incredibly proud of them. I am very excited for all of them and I cannot wait for everyone to see them perform this weekend.”