Emma Kidwell, daughter of Steven and Rachel Kidwell will perform the role of Cogsworth in the NCHS musical production of Beauty and the Beast on April 7th through 10th.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS and what characters/roles did you play?
I have been in four musicals at NCHS. I have been involved in Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Sophomore and Junior year), White Christmas, and I’m currently in Beauty and the Beast. In Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, I played Potiphar’s wife, in White Christmas I played Martha Watson, and I am currently portraying the role of Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast.
What was your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical I have been a part of was White Christmas. It was a great musical filled with Christmas cheer and laughter. I believe that it is my favorite because it was my first opportunity to step into a lead role. A role that I personally related to, as a fairly boisterous and in control person. I played alongside some of the most amazing cast members and our cast shares many fond memories. Whether I was yelling at General Waverly to pay the bills or singing about how falling out of love can be fun, I loved every moment I was on stage. The cast actually created a book full of signatures and drawings while we were performing. The book on my desk was huge and it was probably my favorite thing to look at when “signing in guests.” White Christmas was a musical that we hadn’t done in our theater department yet and for me, it was my favorite.
What scene in Beauty and the Beast is your favorite and why? (This does not have to be a scene you are in)
My favorite scene in Beauty and the Beast is a scene that includes Lumiere and Mrs. Potts. We spend time reacting to the Beast and Belle arguing about dinner. It is a comedic scene that proves that sometimes it is satisfying to see a woman take command. We laugh and react at how Belle knows her place and what she wants. It is hilarious to see someone that seems so almighty and powerful being told that he is being a bully. It is a refreshing scene filled with comedy and to the object’s approval a very impressive young woman. This scene is one that I know the audience will love and the laughter it will cause will be a great reward!
What are two life lessons you have learned from the directors?
Throughout musical, I have learned many lessons from my directors. The most memorable lessons were that you have to keep a positive mindset in life and that you can accomplish anything if you put in the work. These are two lessons that I will take through life with me and that my directors allowed me to see the importance of.
Excluding the directors: What qualities do you see exemplified in the adults who help put on this show that you will take with you as you leave NCHS and how do they demonstrate these qualities? – Feel free to name the adults or group of adults)
Some of the qualities that I see in the adults that help put on the shows are passion, determination, dedication, and lots of creativity. These are things that we see in the set designs and costumes, as well as the way we block our shows. Whether it is the costume ladies working endless hours to perfect each and every cast member’s costumes, the set constructors work aimlessly to perfect each and every step of the castle, and the parents volunteer with joy. I have learned many lessons from each and every person I have met and worked with during my time in musical.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
The thing I will miss most once the final curtain closes on my NCHS musical career will definitely be the moments behind the stage with the cast. We would goof around and make jokes with one another. Lots of inside jokes were made and many laughs were shared. I think that the memories made backstage, even if we were supposed to be quiet are the ones I will remember forever and miss the most.
