Young Filipino Canadian singer stars in Beauty and the Beast

Young Filipino Canadian singer stars in Beauty and the Beast

Maria Theresa Panaligan played the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast with Stefan Farrer as the prince, at Our Lady of Grace in Scarborough, Ontario.

TORONTO–Maria Theresa Panaligan played Belle in Beauty and the Beast, a school production participated in by a multicultural cast of grade school students. This year’s musical presentation of Our Lady of Grace, was held on April 25 and 26, 2012 in the school’s auditorium.

Panaligan, a 14-year old grade 8 student, who started singing since age 5, has performed in numerous concerts and won several singing contests, both Filipino and Canadian. She won the GMA Star Search with German Moreno in 2008; she was chosen to sing the national anthems of U.S. and Canada during the NBA Miami Heats vs Toronto Raptors last Nov. 2009 at the Air Canada Centre; and she performed in concerts of Filipino professional singers such as Pilita Corrales, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez.

BELLE and the Beast in a dramatic scene

Beauty and the Beast, the well-loved tale of a kind-hearted village girl and a prince turned to a beast by an evil spell — was presented with music and lyrics, costumes, and sets and theatre decorations creatively faithful to the original Disney Theatrical Productions.

The highly spirited performance of the actors, from Belle, the Beast – played by Stefan Farrer – and the display of talent and artistry rest of the cast – from the supporting actors, the villagers, and castle servants, as well as the musical rendition of the choir, were well received by the audience.

School faculty ably staged the production with their in-house talents who assumed the role of producer (D. Culotta), directors (R. Madeiros, director; Madam B. Quinn assistant director), stage managers, audio and choir, make-up costumes sets props and theatre decorations, program and ticket sales.

Maria Theresa Panaligan with mother Genelie Panaligan (left); and sisters Nadeene, Aubrey, Ampee and friend Allan.

Three Silly Girls: (from left) Patricia Feltman, Serena de Vera and Christine Mabbayad

Beauty and the Beast shcool play director at Our Lady of Grace, R. Medeiros (center) and producer D. Culotta (right) with the cast.

PHOTOS: HG