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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Disney's Beauty and the Beast Also see Gil's review of Sweat
The plot follows Belle, a smart and independent young woman who dreams of more than her provincial life. When her father Maurice is captured by the Beast, a prince cursed to live as a monstrous creature unless he can learn to love and have the love returned, Belle sacrifices her freedom to take his place in the Beast's enchanted castle. Will Belle discover there is kindness beneath the Beast's gruff exterior, and will romance between them blossom, or will the challenges from the outside world, including the attempts by the vain and villainous Gaston who is determined to make Belle his wife, get in the way of their happy ever after? The stage adaptation adds depth and dimension to the well-known story and characters from the animated movie while retaining the magic of the original film. New songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, such as "If I Can't Love Her" and "A Change in Me," offer greater insight into the characters' emotions, particularly the Beast who barely sang in the animated film. The expanded script also gives more backstory and personality to the enchanted objects in the castle, providing additional moments of humor and poignancy. Though some scenes, like the climactic battle in the castle, are downplayed or abridged from the film, the musical still translates into a timeless tale a journey of transformation, acceptance and redemption. Under Joseph Martinez's warm direction, the ABT cast is excellent, with performances that bring heart and humor to the fairy-tale story. As Belle, Ella Pearl Marcus captures both the character's fierce independence and her warm, compassionate nature. Marcus' rich and bright vocals excel on her solos "Home" and "A Change in Me," and her expressive delivery conveys Belle's feisty yet guarded demeanor. Kevin W. Egan's portrayal of the Beast is equally compelling, with a nice balance that shows both the character's ferocity and his vulnerability. Egan played Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet at ABT earlier this season and seeing him go from the larger-than-life real-life singer in that show to the more reserved yet powerful Beast here is amazing. His singing voice is strong and clear and his rendition of "If I Can't Love Her" effectively highlights the Beast's inner turmoil. The supporting cast add additional comedy and charm to the production, particularly Ian Dembek as Lumière and Rob Watson as Cogsworth, who ooze comedic chemistry. Dembek's exuberant performance of "Be Our Guest" is a showstopper, while Watson's stern yet endearing Cogsworth provides plenty of laughs. Gerri Weagraff brings warmth and wisdom to the role of Mrs. Potts, and her heartfelt rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" is a moving highlight. Steven Martella's Gaston is a perfect mix of arrogance and humor, with his larger-than-life personality making him both a formidable antagonist and a comedic delight; his powerful and gorgeous singing voice shines. Gaston's sidekick Lefou, played by Henry Howland, is a scene stealer, adding pops of physical comedy and endless enthusiasm throughout. Paul Weagraff is charming as Belle's father and, as Mrs. Potts' son Chip, Ivan Shkarayev (who alternates in the role with Shiloh Foreman) is bright and endearing. Lauren Witman is fun and sexy as Babette, and Ivana Martinic is superb as Madame de la Grande Bouche, the opera singer turned armoire, with soaring vocals and sharp comic timing. Kurtis Overby's choreography is bright and energetic, including rousing ensemble dance numbers for "Gaston" and "Be Our Guest." The rich and detailed creative elements transform the production into a truly magical experience. Clifton Chadick's set design, which uses a series of gold and ornate set elements, and Chris Ignacio's incredible projections, which span the back video wall of the stage and are realistic and infused with rich colors and depth, create immersive settings that transform seamlessly from Belle's village to the Beast's mysterious castle. Cameron Filepas' lighting design fleshes out the locales and sets the mood, transitioning from warm, inviting tones to shadowy, foreboding hues. The costumes are rentals and they are richly detailed and throwbacks to the familiar film images, from Belle's iconic golden gown to the Beast's regal ensemble, and the enchanted objects' designs are whimsical yet practical. While musical tracks are used, they are exceptional and the cast excels under Mark Foreman's music direction. With wonderful performances and impressive creative elements, Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of Beauty and the Beast captures the magic and charm of Disney's classic film. The balance of humor, heart, and spectacle makes it a memorable experience for audiences of all ages and a welcome reminder of the importance of looking beyond appearances. Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs through December 29, 2024, at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.azbroadway.org or call 623-776-8400. Director: Joseph Martinez Cast: |
