Review: ARTS CLUB'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Is Simply Magical!

Filled with marvelous dance numbers, exquisite costumes, and crowd-favorite songs, Arts Club's production of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was one of the best show's I've seen this year. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is currently playing at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre in Vancouver until January 6th, 2019 and is definitely a must see during this holiday season!

As BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was part of Arts Club's previous 2017-18 season, its return to the stage this December for the 2018-19 was a true delight. As someone who was familiar with both the animated and live-action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST movies, it was great to see it come to life on stage. I was thoroughly impressed with the sets designed by Alison Green. When the doors of the theatre first open, a red velvet curtain with a projection of the Beast holding a single rose envelops the stage. As the show begins, the mystery of the intricate sets are revealed as the stage is transformed into the Beast's castle and then transitions into the village for the first musical number, "Belle." Green's castle set was the most beautiful piece of the stage work in the show. It did not overpower the stage, allowed fluid movement between scenes, and offered a perfect space for the actors to bring the story to life. Projections by Joel Grinke and lighting designed by Gerald King added an extra touch of magic to the show. In the castle scenes, you could really feel the emptiness and loneliness of the Beast with the cobweb projections and grim lighting. The use of projections to focus the audience's attention during moments such as when the Beast looked into his magic mirror, were a great way to split scenes that took place in close proximity to one another.

The costumes designed by Barbara Clayden set this production apart from others that I've seen this year. The costumes had both similarities and differences to the animated movie that made it easy to identify the characters, but also provided a new look to the story. Belle (played by Michelle Bardach) sported some amazing dresses and gowns throughout the show. My favorite would have to be the iconic yellow dress that Belle wears when she slow dances in the ballroom with the Beast. It was incredible to see such a classic animated movie moment on stage. I was also fascinated by the costumes for the wolves both Belle and Maurice encounter in the woods. With emphasis on the wolf head and upper torso, the costumes were very lifelike and allowed the actors to move realistically through the scenes in the woods.

There were two musical dance numbers that were the highlight of the entire production. The first being "Gaston" performed in the bar featuring Gaston and LeFou and the second being "Be Our Guest" led by Lumiere and the castle servants. With dance arrangements by Glen Kelly and original choreography by Valerie Easton, these numbers were exciting to watch. Each cast member's meticulous movements throughout both of these numbers were indicative of how much detail and effort was put into the show. One part of "Gaston" that I particularly liked was the synchronized usage of metal cup tapping by the cast. Furthermore, the sheer amount of cast members dancing in sync during "Be Our Guest" was outstanding. Both the main cast and ensemble members worked together very well, creating a very innovative and visceral theatre experience.

Some incredible talent was featured in this production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Cast members such as Michelle Bardach as Belle, Jonathan Winsby as the Beast, Graham Coffeng as Lumiere, and Kamyar Pazandeh as Gaston completely blew me away. As I have seen Bardach previously in Arts Club's production of Mamma Mia, it was great to see a familiar face on stage. As per usual, her elegancy, poise, and warming stage presence made her the perfect fit for Belle. Winsby as magnificent as the Beast. Although the mask he wore for his character sometimes hid his facial expressions, his acting was very powerful as it came predominately from his body movements and voice. His bounding movements and barreling actions during Act 1 of the show were beast-like and was reflective of Beast's internal struggle with his body image. Winsby showed how uncomfortable and unchained the Beast was in his own body at the beginning. As his love for Belle grew, you could see how his jagged movements transitioned to a gentler kind as he became more patient and calm in Belle's presence. Winsby's solo song called "If I Can't Love Her" had me in tears. His powerful voice was so smooth and rich as he unleashed his emotions. It was the perfect end to Act 1 and left me wanting more.

Another outstanding performance in the show was Graham Coffeng was Lumiere. His energy and playfulness throughout the show brought happiness in times of sorrow and wisdom in times of chaos. Coffeng had Lumiere's French accent perfected and definitely brought the laughs to many light-hearted moments in the show. Furthermore, Kamyar Pazandeh as Gaston gave another strong performance. Pazandeh brought the handsome and arrogant villain of the story to life. Although Gaston was portrayed as extremely self-absorbed and often seen trying to win Belle's love in many cringe-worthy moments throughout the show, Pazandeh brought truth to such an exaggerated character. Underneath Gaston's chiseled exterior was insecurity and jealously which ultimately drove him to commit his cruel acts in the show. Pazandeh's villainous performance was an unforgettable part of the show!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST by the Arts Club was a sensational show to see. Filled with classic songs, a talented cast, and true theatre magic! This top-notch production is a must-see this winter break! Although BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a "tale as old as time," it's definitely worth your dime!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is currently playing at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver until January 6th, 2019. Ticket prices start at $39 and are available at https://secure.artsclub.com/events/detail/beauty-and-the-beast-19 or by calling the box office at 604-687-1644.

Photo credit: David Cooper, 2018

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