BWW Reviews: NETworks Presents BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at The Morris Performing Arts Center

This past Wednesday and Thursday, South Bend was graced with the National Tour of "Beauty and the Beast" presented by NETworks. By far one of the best Disney animated films of its time, "Beauty and the Beast" presents the tale of a princess who is smart, confident, and doesn't need saved by Prince Charming. With a more mature theme and characters, Disney presented us with one of the best love stories of all time. "Beauty and the Beast" came roaring with beauty onto the Morris Performing Arts Center stage, and fans and audience members couldn't get enough of this stunning performance. I absolutely loved the revamped production of NETworks, "Beauty and the Beast" with direction by Rob Roth.

Beauty and the Beast is a musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. Based on the 1991 film of the same name, which was in turn adapted from the French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel and selfish ways, and an adventurous young woman named Belle whom he imprisons in his castle. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle's love before it's too late.

I could not overcome the fact of how talented this cast was. From the stellar vocals to the astonishing choreography, I was impressed from beginning to end of this production. Led by Jillian Butterfield (Belle) and Ryan Everett Wood (Beast), this cast was sure to not disappoint anyone of any age. Butterfield portrayed Belle perfectly. I could close my eyes and listen to her and feel that I was in my childhood watching the Disney film on VCR. Butterfield could go from sweet princess, to independent and confident princess in a matter of seconds. I absolutely loved, "A Change in Me". The song left me with goose bumps and I wanted to give her a standing ovation then and there. Wood brought a wonderful portrayal of Beast, and I was very pleased with his performance. His stage presence alone was just wonderful, and his vocals in "If I Can't Love Her" just blew me away.

Let's not forget about all of our supporting characters, that Beauty and the Beast is just filled with. Cameron Bond (Gaston) was absolutely wonderful. He was the perfect Gaston and his performance could not of been better. His partner in crime, Jordan Weagraff (Lefou) was absolutely hilarious. Every time he was on stage I found myself chuckling at his cheesy and 'side-kick' humor. The Enchanted Objects were just fantastic in this production, and stole the whole production. Led by Understudy Joseph Fierberg (Lumiere), Samuel Shurtleff (Cogsworth), and Emily Jewell (Mrs. Potts), this ensemble of Beast's castle were stunning. The showstopper, "Be Our Guest" left with me overwhelmed in amazement. The number was so flawless and perfect, and it made me feel like I was in the Disney film dancing with the animated plates and salt and peppershakers.

The production team did a very nice job with this production, that people expect to be absolutely perfect and magical. Choreographer, Matt West, did a fabulous job revamping this choreography, and making it a very fun time. "Gaston" highlighted choreography with beer mugs that was absolutely amazing with the synchronization of each member on stage. "Be Our Guest" was just absolutely perfect. The flow of the song, the movement of the dancers, and the formation switches were just flawless. Director Rob Roth did a great job with this production. Even though there were changes, I thought that he did a very nice job sticking to the "Beauty and the Beast' that everyone loves and knows. Scenic Designer Stanley A. Meyer had a gorgeous design for this production. Very scaled down from the Broadway production, I thought it was a very nice adaptation for a National Tour of such a iconic production.

Overall, "Beauty and the Beast" was a gorgeous production filled with showstopper and tear-jerking moments. I absolutely loved this production, and it was by far my favorite production that has come through South Bend. The revamped production of such an iconic tale did a very nice job presenting itself, and I loved how they took a chance, and changed some aspects from the original production. Bravo to the NETworks team! You can see this same production next in Indianapolis, IN at Clowes Memorial Hall from May 1-3, and then next in Tampa, Florida May 5-10.

For more information on the NETworks production of Beauty and the Beast, visit beautyandthebeastontour.com. For more information on South Bend's Broadway Theater League and upcoming productions, visit www.broadwaytheatreleague.com

As always, support the local arts! I had so much fun at Beauty and the Beast! My next production is "The Little Mermaid" at the Wagon Wheel Theater in Warsaw! Follow me on Twitter! @AP_95

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