Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Enchants at Saenger

The magic of Disney continues this season at the Saenger Theatre with the pinnacle tale of enchantment BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. This classic fairy tale makes a return to New Orleans, closing out 2015 with the ultimate "tale as old as time." This popular musical brings everything you love about the 1991 Disney animated classic to life, most notably the Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman.

But it doesn't stop there. This national touring show reunites many of the creators of the original Broadway production, including director Rob Roth, scenic designer Stanley A. Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, illusionist Jim Steinmeyer and lighting designer Natasha Katz. Along with that, the Broadway version features brand new songs by Menken and lyricist Tim Rice.

Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, this show is considerably scaled down, lacking the stunning sets and costumes that had given Disney a spot in the light of Broadway. That should not deter audiences, however. While the splendor of the original Broadway production is gone, NETworks' rendition of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST still delights, and the engaging cast provides solid family entertainment.

For those who do not know the story, the classic story revolves around Belle, a book-loving young woman who dreams of a life outside her provincial town. Fate intervenes when she saves her father's life at the hands of a Beast, who is really a young prince placed under a spell by an enchantress. If they can learn to love one another, the curse will be broken, and he and his subjects will be "human again." Time is running out, though, and the Beast isn't very loveable.

The Broadway version may have more slapstick than the original film, but due credit goes to the engaging cast who can still pull some honest adult emotions from the cartoonish overtones. Brooke Quintana as Belle is the picture perfect rendition of the Disney heroine, with a gentle voice that echoes Paige O'Hara, who originally voiced the character.

Sam Hartley's voice rang clear beneath layers of makeup. His singing is also passionate and commanding on his showpiece number If I Can't Love Her, which closes the first act. However, fans of the original film will give pause to his lack of ferocity. Instead of a menacing brute we see a goofy child who throws temper tantrums. Perhaps it would be wise to find a better balance for the jokey silliness as it takes away much of the essence of the story.

Notable is the role of Gaston, the infamous Disney villain. It's hard to believe, but Christiaan Smith-Kotlarek's interpretation can make you despise the character even more than you do already. Arrogance exudes from him, but his performance also gives evidence that Gaston truly does not love Belle, whether it be by propositioning the Silly Girls or making a move to slap Belle across the face.

Familiarity robs a bit of a comedic surprise when we meet the quirky castle staff-humans turned into household objects including a candelabra, a teapot and teacup, a clock, a feather duster, a cartwheeling carpet, and a dresser with a penchant for operatic belting. The actors are game and likable, especially Lumiere as played by Ryan N. Phillips. The Be Our Guest number, a festive extravaganza featuring kitchenware, remains as irresistible entertainment and was the highlight of the entire show.

True, the production is stripped-down by comparison to the original-it would be oh-so helpful to have a door to Belle's room when the Beast comes a knocking. Still, there is effective depth and brilliance to Meyer's pop-up book design, which are highlighted by the illusions and lighting design. Together all the technical elements really pull the show together for a great experience at the theatre.

Sadly, the show was not without its technical blips. As the second act commenced, the stage went dark, and the sound cut off soon after. While the audience had to wait 15 minutes before the show resumed, the pause was accepted much better than the technical mess that was The Little Mermaid earlier in the season. Sadly, the magic of the moment was lost as the actors were attempting to regain the momentum of the show.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs till Jan 3. 2016 and will play Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

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