BWW Reviews: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Enchants Audiences at National Theatre through June 24

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is, to quote its famous song lyrics, a "tale as old as time," but don't let those words fool you – the spectacular new NETworks national touring production currently at Washington's National Theatre has given new life to an already magnificent story.

Who hasn't seen the 1991 film, which was the first animated movie to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture? I will never forget seeing it in the cinema at age 8. I fell in love with the story and the music and have never looked back since. Years later, I saw the stage show when it was new on Broadway and fell in love all over again.

For those who aren't familiar with the story, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST centers around Belle, a quiet, studious young woman who yearns for excitement beyond her small town. She finds herself prisoner in a castle belonging to the Beast, who is really a prince under an enchantment forcing him to take the form of a hideous creature. His only hope is that Belle will fall in love with him and break the spell, but he's so embittered by his appearance that he refuses to believe that love is even possible.

This production's Belle is played by Emily Behny, who brings life and wit to her character, avoiding playing the part as overly sweet. Her singing voice is more than up to the task of the gorgeous music, composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

Dane Agostinis is the Beast, and his transformation from growling, hideous beast to a man in love is wonderful to behold. The supporting cast is in danger of stealing the show, though, with Matt Farcher as Gaston the dashing villain, Michael Haller as Lumiere the servant-turned-candelabra, and James May as Cogsworth the servant-turned-clock all providing the audience with plenty of laughs.

Julia Louise Hosack as Mrs. Potts, the servant-turned-teapot, captures everyone's hearts with her warm rendition of the show's title song, originally performed by Angela Lansbury in the animated film. The ballroom scene that accompanies the title song is perhaps the most memorable scene of the movie, and the stage version does not disappoint – the gorgeous costumes and staging bring the moment to life quite magnificently.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is one of those wonderful shows that delights both children and adults. Numbers like "Be Our Guest" seem tailor-made for the stage, with the over-the-top costumes and dancing providing a treat for the eyes. Several songs were written especially for the stage show that did not appear in the movie, so even those very familiar with the movie have a few surprises in store.

The original creators of the Broadway production have once again teamed up. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for her work on Disney's Beauty and the Beast), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is running at Washington's National Theatre for two weeks only, June 12 through 24, so don't waste any time – see this wonderful show while there's still time! Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased through Telecharge at 800- 447-7400, or online at Telecharge.com. More information can also be found at NationalTheatre.org or BeautyAndTheBeastOnTour.com.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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