BY ANGELA HATCHER: “Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a prince…”
There have been many adaptations of the centuries-old French fairy-tale of “Beauty and
the Beast,” which has shown up on stage and screen, but Disney’s animated film was a revelation in filmmaking when it became the first of its kind to nab an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Following in its runaway success, Disney Theatrical Productions’ Broadway musical version of this enchanting tale was born.
BY ANGELA HATCHER: “Once upon a time in a faraway land, there lived a prince…”
There have been many adaptations of the centuries-old French fairy-tale of “Beauty and
the Beast,” which has shown up on stage and screen, but Disney’s animated film was a revelation in filmmaking when it became the first of its kind to nab an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Following in its runaway success, Disney Theatrical Productions’ Broadway musical version of this enchanting tale was born.
Under the fine direction of esteemed Artistic Director/Choreographer (and veteran performer) Jimmy Hippenstiel, Musical Theatre Academy takes on the daunting task of “doing Disney proud,” and from the fanciful sets, splendidly vibrant and whimsical costumes, talented cast members, and outstanding musicians, MTA’s vibrant presentation of “Beauty and the Beast” turns out to be a real beauty of a show and a loving portrait of what it truly means to find beauty within.
There is no denying that “Beauty and the Beast” is a love story; however, the Beast’s staff is busily urging him to woo Belle so that the spell that has been cast on them all will be broken and they will all become “human” once again.
In the meantime, Lumiere (Mack Hubbard) is the romantic who keeps everything aglow as the candelabra, Mrs. Potts (Gianna Holiday alternating the role with Jordan Gantos) is the teapot and Janey Phillips portrays her son Chip, the tea cup with – what else? A giant chipped cup atop his head!
Cogsworth is portrayed by Christopher King, who is the grandfather clock of all time. While several key roles are dual cast, on the evening of this review, Page Mills portrayed the determined, but also sweet and innocent bookworm, Belle (Also portraying Belle is Anysa Wilson on alternating days).
Mills’ strong voice soars, and her tenderness, is a nice contrast to Max Ritter’s mindful performance as the temper driven Beast (Ryan Spataro takes on the role on alternate performances).
Another major player is Jake Meyerson as the mindless village buffoon Gaston, and in his bright red shirt, tights and knee high boots, Meyerson’s Gaston is the epitome of a cartoonish oaf who makes the all the girls swoon as he flexes his Popeye muscles – all girls, that is, except Belle.
Gaston’s side kick and diminutive fall guy Lefou (Lorenzo Cid) is another spotlight stealer with each pratfall funnier than the last.
Other mentions are: Atticus Korman as Maurice, Emma Hammond as Babette and Noelle Howe as Madame De La Grande Bouche.
The show’s big production numbers are precision perfect, exciting and spectacular.
“Be Our Guest” takes down the house with a roaring applause that would drown out a freight train in mere seconds.
Under the baton of Richard Abraham, the four-piece band features Abraham on piano, Jeff Segal on drums/percussion, and Alan Crawley and Chris Squires on additional keyboards.
Vocal direction is by Taylor Stephenson.
MTA’s production is beautifully framed by Chris Caputo’s fairytale set, sound, and lighting design, and from energetic dance segments to seamless pacing, this magical journey keeps parents and other audience members as captivated as the kids.
Rose Center Theater
14140 All American Way in Westminster
For Tickets, call 714-793-1150 ext. 1 or visit www.rosecentertheater.com
Runs through June 18
