Tuesday night, hundreds of children were enchanted by the touring production of Beauty and the Beast, now playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, June 13. As I wandered through the lobby before the show and during intermission, I often had to carefully sidestep a tiny Belle in requisite yellow ball gown and tiara. What was most remarkable though was how enchanted the adults were, myself included.
I love musical theatre, and I loved this film when it was originally released by Disney. But when I first saw Beauty and the Beast on stage, probably a dozen years ago, I was less than impressed. It seemed to lack the magic of the film and, while the production values were wonderful, it seemed generally lackluster. All that changed on Tuesday night! This is one of the most charming productions I have ever seen on stage. No, this isn’t a deep and moving musical. There are moments of pure silliness and over the top acting. The story is simple and moves very quickly, almost too quickly, as Belle realizes she is in love just moments after we all returned from intermission. The music is good, but not spectacular. None of that really matters though, because the entire production is so full of joy and sincerity that you can’t help falling in love.
What is it that changed, you may ask? First, the sets and costumes were re-imagined. The story now takes place during the summer, making the sets and costumes much more festive and colorful. The sets have been opened up to allow more playing space, while seamlessly transforming from village to castle to forest. The backdrop for Belle’s village is reminiscent of a beautiful homemade needlepoint. Puppets very effectively represent both a powerful enchantress and a set of terrifying wolves. Second, the entire production was re-thought. Some songs were removed and the story streamlined. New choreography was created including a dazzling tavern number for the song “Gaston”. This number, which included the entire ensemble clinking pewter beer mugs together in perfect synchronicity, is worth the price of admission alone. Director Rob Roth, choreographer Matt West, scenic designer Stanley Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, and lighting designer Natasha Katz should all be commended on an excellent interpretation.
The performance by this incredibly talented cast was more balanced than any production I have seen recently. While they did appear to be rehearsed to within an inch of their lives, the efforts paid off. Nathaniel Hackmann is especially brutish and shallow as Gaston. He has a powerful singing voice and incredible presence on stage. Keith Kirkwood as Cogsworth, Merritt David Janes as Lumiere, and Sabina Petra as Mrs. Potts are a perfect trio of enchanted servants. They hold the show together while moving it forward at lightning speed. These three lead “Be Our Guest”, another especially spectacular number, part chorus line, part vaudeville, part follies extravaganza. Michael Fatica as Lefou would almost steal the show if the rest of the cast weren’t so strong. He’s a joy to watch, but make sure you tell your kids not to try his pratfalls at home. He is a truly professional comedic actor in the style of Donald O’Connor, and he is a joy to watch.
Liz Shivener is a beautiful, strong, independent Belle with a gorgeous voice, while her Beast, Justin Glaser, is vicious, scared, sensitive, and of course, a perfect Prince Charming. Don’t miss your opportunity to be enchanted by this near perfect fairytale. You will not be disappointed.
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