To the Editor:

Under the direction of Steve Suriano, the Voorheesville Middle School production of “Disney Beauty and the Beast Jr.” this past weekend, Nov. 19 to 21, was a great success and notable for being the first in-person viewing of a production in two years.

As a member of the costume committee, I had the opportunity to see the progress of play rehearsals over time and to meet all the fabulous youth performers. I didn’t realize that being on the costume committee meant more than making a few costumes or choosing wardrobe from existing stockpiles.

It involved weeks of costume design, construction, wardrobe fittings and endless adjustments and repairs to costumes up to and during the final performance — and a lot of ironing.

With limited seating due to COVID-19, the play was extended to four performances and most of the main characters were double-cast, with each cast playing their main role for two performances and as supporting characters for the other two.

That meant double costuming for those actors, as both separate characters and as separate individuals playing featured roles, as well as multiple costume changes for other students. Thankfully, our eight-member committee, led by Megan Viscio and including Jennifer Hunt, Megan McGivney, Ariana Newell, Jennifer O’Malley, Deanna Pavone, and Sarah Platek, were up to the task, but not without some extra help.

Although not an official member of the committee, Carol Costello was a daily presence, supporting her grandson who was in the production and providing advice to others for costume alterations, repeatedly altering two yellow Belle dresses, making repairs and sewing on missing buttons. How fortunate we were to have her assistance.

Another grandmother, Marie Viscio, created the most incredible Lumiere (the candelabra) jacket for her grandson, also shared by his role double. As an experienced seamstress, she reported that the fabric that looked so beautiful on stage was the most difficult fabric she had ever sewn. Many thanks to her for seeing the project through and creating a centerpiece for the production.

Karie Jean’s Closet, the family clothing thrift shop in Voorheesville, generously donated clothing to form or complete outfits, including the beautiful formal gowns worn in the ballroom finale scene. How fortunate we are to have this valuable resource within the community. Thank you, Linda Martin and staff, for your support.

I can only speak from my experience as a costume committee member, but I know that all the committees worked hard, overcoming their own obstacles, to bring this production together. The play provided a much needed boost to a sense of normalcy for students, staff and the audience.

It also provided an opportunity for new friendships among cast members and volunteers and a great introduction for the sixth-graders to middle school.

Great job, everyone! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible production.

Sharon Breisch

New Scotland