Ovian brothers unfold sibling rivalry on stage

by Tom Vartabedian

Published: Wednesday December 02, 2009

Nishan Ovian.

Burlington, Mass. - Talk about a sibling rivalry, here's one for the fairy-tale books.

A community theater group by the name of Act Andover staged a rousing rendition of Walt Disney's classic "Beauty and the Beast" Nov. 13-15 at West Andover Middle School.

Lead role of the beast was taken by Nishan Ovian. The alternate lead of Gaston was assumed by his younger brother Zaven.

The two siblings rocked the stage with their good and evil antics before hundreds of viewers who tendered one standing ovation after another.

Forget the pillow fights or the petty grievances at home. This one had curtain call written all over. It was that good.

For more than two hours a night, Nishan's beast role was gregarious yet repenting. The hybrid costume he exposed combined the mane of a lion, the beard and head structure of a buffalo, the tusks and nose bridge of a wild boar, the heavily muscled brow of a gorilla, and the big, burly body of a bear.

But it was his dialogue and stage personality that won over the pretty Belle in the end – and his audience.

"Definitely, the best and most demanding role I've ever played," said the Salem State College sophomore. "Every moment of it was a distinct challenge. It's a show we can all relate to in terms of forgiveness and what's inside the heart, not outside the body."

Nishan is no neophyte when it comes to theater. He's assumed an assortment of roles in high school and community theater, including Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Les Miserables, Footloose and Fame, the Musical. He's sung the National Anthem at a Red Sox game and has a notable resume of community service projects.

Both brothers share their mother's passion for singing and father's personality for fun. They are the children of Larry and Vanessa Ovian, both members of the Armenian Youth Federation, and reside in Burlington.

Younger brother Zaven is a chip off his brother's block, despite being four years his junior and only a sophomore at Burlington High with a growing list of credits. He's performed the daunting role of Rooster in Annie, appeared in Aladdin and Footloose. As a 13-year-old, he debuted in Fame. 

The role as arch-enemy Gaston represented his first as a leading player and required the full treatment of song and dance, never without a smile. If there were any jitters, they didn't show.

He outdid himself in the tavern scene in which he boasts of his superiority as the town's repulsive Hercules.

The curtain draws upon a haggard woman who makes her way to the shining castle to seek shelter from the bitter cold. You catch a glimpse of the prince turning the caller away at which time she transforms him into a hideous animal confined to a life of loneliness under a curse. The spell can only be broken through compassion and love.

One of the more provocative scenes shows Belle with the Beast dancing in the magnificent ballroom with character animations edging him along. The movie version was introduced in 1991, followed by a series of successful stage venues.

The plot thickens to the very end when the two Ovians meet inside the castle and duel to the bitter end as Zaven slays his brotherly beast, only to have Nishan undergo his metamorphosis into a handsome prince and the right to Belle's hand.

In the program book was a message from their parents: "Nishan and Zaven. How many times have we said no fighting? We are so proud of your accomplishments. Now give each other a hug and make up!" Love, Mom, Dad and Tahleen (older sister).

Nishan's extremely high-quality rendition led the field – a role he had auditioned for and secured. As for Zaven, he, too, won the part he pursued over other aspirants. The Ovians turned this musical into a fun ride from beginning to end.

"I looked forward to performing with my brother and couldn't be more proud of him," said Nishan. "I'd like to thank all my family and friends for supporting me in this role."