Be Our Guest

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

After 25 years, the first North American National Tour of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST—one of the best loved musicals of all times—just opened in Chicago. And it’s a real cause for celebration because this first class polished production was well worth the wait! The new, revised production is a visually stunning, absolutely gorgeous and totally captivating experience for audiences of all ages. Directed and Choreographed by talented Matt West, a master of both skill sets, he’s remembered for bringing life to Broadway’s Anne Rice/vampire-inspired musical, LESTAT. And when we read that Matt West also Directed and Choreographed the touring version of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, we’re not a bit surprised. His inventiveness and expertise is evident in this energetic and athletic production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. It’s a magical and magnetic production that invites the audience to Be Our Guest.

Opulent, vibrantly colorful and brimming with beautiful music and excellent performances, this National tour of Disney’s 1991 animated hit film breezes into Chicago for a welcome stay. It’s a production worth treating the entire family to, whether it’s their first or fiftieth visit with Belle, the Beast and their magical friends. Disney Productions was inspired to transfer their popular movie to the stage when it became the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and when the NY Times called it the best musical in years. The rest is history.  

The fairy tale played on Broadway for over 13 years, spawning several national tours and regional productions as well as translations into 8 languages and playing 21 countries. There are many reasons for the popularity of this theatrical treat. The first is Linda Woolverton’s stage adaptation of her own screenplay. Then there’s the gorgeous original score by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman & Tim Rice. Beginning with songs like the Oscar-winning title song to Belle’s soulful ballad, “Home;” from “Gaston,” an hilarious anthem to arrogance, to the rousing production number, “Be Our Guest,” this show is a mellifluous masterpiece. Cut from this production, however, is Belle’s touching duet with her father, “No Matter What,” as well as the forgettable “Maison Des Lunes.”  However, “A Change in Me,” a lovely new song added in 1998 for Toni Braxton, gives Belle another beautiful musical moment in Act II.

This familiar fairy tale about the power of accepting being different, love and friendship and about seeing past the physical and into the soul is another. This is the reason for this musical’s universality. It also helps that a talented cast of triple threats inhabits this production.  The beautiful, perfectly named Kyra Belle Johnson is a funny, spunky Belle with a voice that would melt even the gruffest Beast. Kyra may be remembered as Sophie in the National Tour of MAMMA MIA! As Belle, this young actress not only creates an honest, very realistic and multilayered heroine (loved that Belle wore glasses to read), Ms. Johnson could easily challenge any of the Radio City Rockettes with her tap-dancing and high-kicking choreography. And speaking of Beasts, handsome powerhouse actor and vocalist, Fergie L. Philippe, plays the enchanted Prince/Beast with the perfect balance of false bravado and wide-eyed innocence. Having been a member of the Broadway cast of HAMILTON, Mr. Philippe has experience and a trained, operatic voice that makes his Act I finale, “If I Can’t Love Her,” one of the highlights of this production.

Strapping Stephen Mark Lukas turns in one of the evening’s most memorable performances as the story’s villain, the swaggering, self-absorbed Gaston. Recently playing Nick Arnstein in FUNNY GIRL, both on Broadway and in the National Tour, Mr. Lukas can boast both a powerful set of muscles and vocal pipes. Stephen truly dominates every one of his scenes, usually supported by agile comic actor Harry Francis (NEWSIES, CATS), who plays Lefou, Gaston’s hilarious, put-upon sidekick.

The cast of enchanted characters living in the Beast’s castle are played by some terrific triple-threats. All of these musical theatre actors have been enjoyed on New York stages as well as regionally or in tours throughout the country. Holly Ann Butler is a divine diva and over-the-top hilarious as Madame; Effervescent Cameron Monroe Thomas is a saucy and seductively playful Babette; and Javier Ignacio is terrific as the tightly wound Butler, Cogsworth. Danny Gardner, who impressed on Broadway in the revival of DAMES AT SEA and FLYING OVER SUNSET, is farcical and flirtatious as the Candlestick, Lumiere. He delightfully takes control of the story, playing the head of this enchanted household staff with plenty of pizzazz and panache. Mr. Gardner’s physical and comic prowess is unmatched, especially when leading the entire ensemble in the knockout production number, “Be Our Guest,” which earned its own standing ovation opening night.

 The incomparably talented, lovely and charismatic Kathy Voytko makes the role of Mrs. Potts all her own. Perhaps younger looking than the motherly, teapot-shaped character that was inspired by Angela Lansbury, in the animated film, Kathy offers a strong, maternal command. A respected actress on Broadway and National Tours, Ms. Voytko will be remembered around Chicagoland for her strong performances as Mother in RAGTIME, Francesca in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, both at Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre, and as Clara in PASSION, at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. As Mrs. Potts, Kathy displays incredible vocal power and a gentle, but genuine tenderness. The scenes shared with her young son, Chip (nicely played by Levi Blaise Coleman on opening night, alternating the role with Beatrice Goddard Beggs at other performances), brings a tear to the eye.

The musical is decked out with gloriously colorful sets by Stanley A. Meyer; exquisite and mood-defining Lighting and Sound Designs, by Natasha Katz and John Shivers, respectively; brilliantly chromatic and creative costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, with Hair & Makeup Designed by David H. Lawrence; and Projection/Video Design, courtesy of Darrel Maloney and Magical Illusions created Jim Steinmeyer. The production is led by Michael Kosarin’s Musical Supervision and accompanied by Conductor David Andrews Rogers’ lush-sounding pit orchestra. The show features a hardworking ensemble of singers and dancers who master the music and execute the choreography with crowning success.

This brand new National Tour of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a grandiose dream of a show. The musical offers an entertaining, exciting and heartwarming story for the entire family. It’s filled with unique characters, great music and choreography, and so many jaw-dropping visuals to be savored and enjoyed. It’s a definite must-see for a youngster’s first big theatrical experience, as well as for fans of the animated film and/or the original Broadway show. Whatever inspires audiences to enjoy this elegant and professionally produced production, this “Tale as Old as Time” is a grand night for singing that invites every to Be Our Guest.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 9-August 2 by Broadway in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all BIC box offices, at all Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.