'Beauty and the Beast' at Stage West Dinner Theatre

Disney's Beauty and the Beast arrived on Broadway in the spring of 1994 marking the film company's first foray into live theatre production. It was an elaborate spectacle, but after five years the Disney Corporation decided to move the show into a smaller theatre, reducing the size of the set and eliminating several ensemble members. "Beauty's been decreased," ran the parody version of the title song in the satirical revue Forbidden Broadway.

Well it has been further decreased now to fit the cozy confines of Stage West. Even so, director Lee MacDougall delivers a crisp, tightly paced production that will surely delight family audiences. Adults in search of something edgier may want to steer clear but they are about the only ones who will not respond to this charming fairy tale.

Gino Berti's lively choreography is executed with precision by a talented team of dancers. The "Gaston" number was particularly dazzling. "Be Our Guest" suffers a little from the reduction, but the song is so well known and loved it hardly matters.

The leading performers are especially effective starting with Ashley Taylor as the winsome Belle. Taylor has a refreshingly natural charm and makes the character's motivations at all times believable. Gabriel Burrafato's portrayal of The Beast humanizes him a little, making his outbursts more childish and less menacing. On the other hand Mark Harapiak as the narcissistic Gaston plays the role with a nasty edge and is particularly abusive of his sidekick. Caden Douglas gives a crowd-pleasingly acrobatic performance as LeFou.

In the enchanted castle Steven Gallagher offers a wonderfully comic turn as the prissy Cogsworth, who is being turned into a clock.  He holds his own against two scene-stealers: The candelabra Lumiere with Eric Craig lighting up the stage, and his saucy feather duster mistress Babette played with a coquettish sparkle by Cara Leslie.

The downsizing has extended to Anthony Bastianon's five-member orchestra, which provides solid support, but without the rich orchestral textures that were heard on Broadway. Still, the production showcases the tuneful score by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.  It may not have won any awards but it provides enjoyment for audiences of all ages.

 

Disney's Beauty and the Beast continues at Stage West Dinner theatre until April 20. Dinner/show packages are available at www.stagewest.com or by calling (905) 238-0042.

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