Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Broadway Series at the California Musical Theater
A Review by John Benton
Staff Writer
One of the most beloved of Disney’s stories, Beauty and the Beast is a heartwarming tale about love and friendship based on a mid-18th century French fairytale. In 1991, Disney released their version of the classic tale to movie-going audiences around the world. Alan Menkin’s score and Howard Ashman’s lyrics pushed the amazing animation film into the eyes of the critics, earning it an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, and well as wins for Best Song and Best Original Score. Photo: Beauty and The Beast, Belle and the cast
In 1994, Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway and stayed for over 13 years. Menken teamed up with famed lyricist Tim Rice to add several new songs helping Beauty and the Beast to become the eighth longest running Broadway musical. It has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 21 countries. From its beginning in 1991, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has become a worldwide sensation that cannot be missed. Photo: Belle and Beast, Hilary Maiberger as Belle and Darick Pead
From the opening number, the set immediately drew me in. A huge Rose shone on the stage as the orchestra played, the Enchanted Rose, a symbol of the show. The story always begins with a narration of how the Prince became the Beast. This production did it in a very imaginative way. Through a decorated sheer curtain, the Prince meets the old beggar woman who turns out to be a larger-than-life enchantress. Through use of amazing puppetry, the beautiful and tall enchantress curses the mean-hearted Prince to a life as the Beast.
His transformation was flawless and very magical. The Beast (Darick Pead) was a strong character; powerful and scary when he howled, but even more powerful when he sang. In the heart-wrenching “If I Can’t Love Her (Reprise),” when he realizes his love for Belle (Hilary Maiberger), the Beast resigns himself to staying a beast forever because he cannot keep her prisoner any longer. Even through the mask, horns and wig, his longing for her happiness is apparent. I felt that this was one of the most touching scenes in the show. Photo: Gaston and Ensemble, Matt Farcher as Gaston and the cast during the song "Gaston"
When Belle and Beast begin to fall in love with one another in “Something There,” Darick and Hilary truly connect while reading together. As they dance in Mrs. Potts’ (Erin Edelle) “Beauty and the Beast,” Belle and Beast are tender and romantic, showing just how close they have become. Each member was cast perfectly. From the bumbling jester-like antics of LeFou (Jimmy Larkin) to the machismo and bravado of Gaston (Joe Hager), the roles were played by truly professional actors. One of the strongest relationships of the cast was that of Lumiere (Hassan Nazari-Robati) and Cosgworth (James May). Lumiere’s saucy swagger and innuendos were expertly countered by Cogsworth’s paranoid and caring remarks, showing that these two are an important part of the household. Their actions toward each other and the rest of the characters brought many laughs from the audience. Photo: Belle and the Beast
The set for this show was amazing. There were multiple curtains, both sheer and solid. There were intricate set pieces that could be turned and changed to accommodate new rooms or areas. Enchanted items around the castle came to life to help change the sets. There was even a balcony from which Beast scared his prisoners and sang. The puppetry that helped the opening narration seem so magical was brought back into play a couple more times. While wandering through the forest, Maurice (William A. Martin) and Belle were attacked by vicious wolves. These wolves were highly animated puppets, like the enchantress. Through the sheer curtain, they seemed to really move like wolves and made the scene very believable. Photo: Belle and Ensemble, Hilary Maiberger as Belle and the townspeople of Disney's "Beauty and The Beast"
From the opening number to the last bow of the cast, this show was truly amazing. I have been to quite a few shows, both professional and amateur, and the energy and talent exhibited by this production moves it into my top 10. As a long-time fan of the Disney movies, I am sometimes a bit disappointed when I see a show that differs from the original with which I am familiar. To anyone who is a fan of the movie, this production will not disappoint. The numbers are spot-on, and in many places, far better than the movie. The over-the-top characters, Gaston in particular, are not just stage representations. They embody the familiar mannerisms we have come to expect. Each comical line and nuance between characters was there, and completely believable. I truly lost myself in the show. Photo: Mrs. Potts and Chip
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast continues through March 17th at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, located at 1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA. You do not want to miss this production. For more information about the tour of Beauty and the Beast, visit www.beautyandthebeastontour.com For more information about the California Musical Theater, or to purchase tickets for Beauty and the Beast, call (916)557-1999 and visit www.californiamusicaltheatre.com - or visit the box office at 1301 L street in downtown Sacramento. Performances continue from Tuesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 16 at 8pm. Matinee per-formances continue on Thursday, March 14, Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. The 2012-13 Broadway Sacramento Season continues with BILLY ELLIOT - April 9 - April 14, 2013. Courtesy photos by Joan Marcus
Presenting national Broadway tours at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, Broadway Sacramento draws theatre-lovers from as far as the Oregon border to western Nevada and the Central Valley. For more information, go to http://BroadwaySacramento.com
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