Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Harlequin Musical Theatre

This production is one of obvious beauty - and much more. Congratulations to Harlequin for providing spectacular family entertainment of such high quality. Collaboratively directed by Charlotte West with musical direction by Courtney Noble, choreography by Hayz Pincheira Rowe, and assistant director Samyson Robinson, It’s a lively fun-filled show told with pace and animated action, deft touches of humour, superb choreography, outstanding creative design, vocal skill and characterisation that keeps you thoroughly entertained and engaged. The creative team bring this production to beautiful life. Lighting (Paul Richardson, Blake Ingram) and sound (Blake Elliot, Blake Ingram) and those outstanding costumes – over 300 original and truly beautiful garments were created by Rebecca Ceballos and her huge wardrobe army team led by Sonya Arden and herself – were showcased throughout. An incredible undertaking!

There are many sound moral messages to find in this fairy tale. The plot line stems from a young person who makes a foolish mistake. Having lived a life in selfishness, young Prince Adam is cursed by a mysterious enchantress to having the appearance of a monstrous beast. His only hope is to learn to love a young woman and earn her love in return in order to redeem himself. Diego Santos as the Beast brings out the pathos and the regret in this tragic mistake. His characterisation captures the Beast’s tortured frustration, and his appearance is truly bestial and scary! Superb work from the makeup team (Maryanne Rushton, Chloe Jones, Donna Rae, Tyler Frost).

The challenge of the role of the Beast is met well. It’s a full ten years before the chance to redeem himself happens. By now, the staff of his enchanted castle are getting desperate as well. We feel the Beast’s despair and pain and want him to succeed when the beautiful (inside and out) Belle (Maci Bates/Melody Lui-Webster)trades places with her imprisoned father Maurice (Horst Feldhauser). The profound compassion and willingness to see the beauty within, while her desire for "something more" drives Belle to break conventional norms, is conveyed with truth by these two performers (alternating shows). Beautifully moved, and emotionally delivered vocals.

With the help of those enchanted (and enchanting) staff members, Belle learns to appreciate her captor. Beauty is within. A show is always as good as the sum of the talent involved. It’s a fairy tale with magical and fantastical elements. Absolutely hilarious French accented Lumiere (Jordan Leary), quick-witted Cogsworth (Allan Howie) and Mrs Potts (Sharon Fogarty) are crowd favourites. Sharon Fogarty is delightfully warm and maternal and as the voice of reason, she fosters romance between Belle and the Beast, notably singing “beautifully” the title song. Another highlight is the “Be Our Guest” number in which Lumiere tangos with the sexy feather duster Babette (Abbie Parsons). The ensemble bring this song to vivid visually spectacular life.

Back in the village however, unscrupulous “he man” hunter Gaston (Nick Lloyd) has his own plans for Belle.Male chauvinist, he can’t believe she doesn’t want to marry him! Superbly and skillfully supported by Joel Bird as Le Fou, Nick Lloyd brings out the arrogant, self-obsessed braggart and the cruel, twisted and ruthless villain, especially he discovers that Belle's love is not for him, but for a Beast.  True love wins out.

Although filled with darker moments, the romantic Disney-originated tale leaves you with a “feel-good” feeling and a smile after the final song. Many of the songs in this show are familiar, but it's the “a tale as old as time” lyrics from the theme song that seems to be the one you’re humming as you leave the theatre – and driving home!

Do get along to see it – a fantastic and fabulous family show not to be missed. It's on until May 9th.