I loved the Disney version of Beauty and The Beast on the big screen and I think children who have been wowed by the movie version will also be wowed by Drury Lane Theatre’s sumptuous stage production as well. Director Alan Souza and choreographer Ron De Jesus pull out all the stops and keep these characters on the run with a high tech revolving set of staircases overlooked by an enormous glowing rose which we all know is counting down the time The Beast has left to woo Beauty and tame his childish self-centeredness in order to release his entire kingdom from the spell cast when he meanly turned away a magic spirit disguised as a poor old crone.
Drury’s “Beauty and the Beast” contains super solid vocal and comedic performances from ALL of the supporting players in this show, getting superb contributions from characters Lumiere (Tony Carter), Cogsworth (Nick Cosgrove), Babette (Sierra Schnack), Mrs. Potts (Bri Sudia) and her son Chip (Sophie Ackerman), Madam de la Grande Bouche (Catherine Smitko) and Monsieur D’Argue (Billy Rude).
The magnificently designed, flattering "glow in the dark" period costumes by (Ryan Park) really pop visually and move with each performers while giving you the sense that each person is truly "trapped" in the role of what they did or worked as when the spell was cast, just as many of us feel we are in daily life by our job roles.
Delightful songs fill the theatre throughout this masterful production. “Be Our Guest” is a true showstopper that, with so many talented dancers, comedians and the brilliantly designed and colorful amazing costumes swirling up and down the ever moving staircases, it makes the whole audience want to race down to the stage and urge Belle to join the Beast for dinner.
Erica Stephan as Belle gives us a gutsy yet sensible and very intelligent portrayal of "Beauty" and little girls will love how she sticks to her guns when insisting that the Beast act like a gentleman and not a bossy, somewhat unmannerly boyfriend.
Brandon Contreras is a moody, dark version of the Beast but his shy sense of humor and triumphantly rich vocal range make his performance one that takes a while for Belle to warm up to but finally endears him to her and the audience, as his complex emotions for Belle finally shine out when he is able to make tender his actions AND words towards her.
Mrs. Potts (Bri Sudia) is another character actress who has an amazing vocal range and her songs are deserving of special notice because they are so well delivered vocally along with her gift for physical comedy.
The play’s nemesis, Gaston, played by Mark Banik is a suitably sexist but not too scary Gaston and delivers some great physical comedy as well.
It's true that this story like many fairytales starts out with a beautiful yet intelligent heroine with two equally awful men to choose from (or run from in this case) and ends up with marriage to a Prince as the end goal. But at least "Beauty and The Beast" requires the complete transformation of one of the "beasts" chasing after her hand in marriage into a man deserving of her love instead of a brute that she must endlessly battle for respect.
As one of the best all-around productions I've seen in a long time, I highly recommend this stunning, exciting and fast-paced musical to young and old alike this Holiday Season. I was blown away by visually stunning set and the tremendous talent assembled for this show and I think you will be, too.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast" will be performed at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook through January 27th. www.drurylanetheatre.com
