What’s your take on Belle?

The reason that [Hockaday] chose this show is because Belle is a stronger Disney princess. She’s not your stereotypical Disney princess that is waiting for a man to save her. I think of Belle as very witty, smart and knows what she wants rather than what anybody else wants. Belle reminds me of a Hockaday girl.

How did you get into the character of Belle?

At the beginning, I was struggling because I de nitely don’t have the persona of a Disney princess, but Ms. Gray told me to be my own Belle, which motivated and helped me.

You forget a line. What do you do?

Most of the time, you have to make up a line. Even though it’s easy to improv something everyday with your friends, it’s really dif cult and terrifying on stage. It’s the only thing you can do, or you can hope somebody else helps you.

You’ve been in four musicals, which one was your favorite?

It’s a tie between “Beauty and the Beast” and last year’s “Curtains.” “Curtains” was especially fun because it was a show that nobody knew very well, but we made it our own.

How do you survive “hell week”?

Getting ahead on your homework during the weekends helps. Ms. Gray told me to drink to Pedialyte – it actually tastes really good and makes you instantly wake up when you’re feeling dead. Eating when you’re hungry. Getting as much sleep as possible even if that means sacrificing one or two of your assignments then emailing your teachers.

Pre-show rituals?

Before the show begins, all of the seniors get together and do this cheer called All the Dogs in the House. Personally, I drink a lot of Emergen-C and try not to vomit.

Maria Harrison – Asst. Features Editor