Review Roundup: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST National Tour

Be Our Guest at Disney’s newly reimagined 30th Anniversary production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love. The new national tour of the iconic musical is now underway. Read the reviews as they come in below!

This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Olivier Award nominee Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz.

Alex Reif, Laughing Place: My take? This version is better than no version. It’s a polished, family-friendly take with some modern updates and impressive tech. But the original Broadway version wasn’t broken, and it toured successfully for years. So if it wasn’t broken… why “fix" it?

Katherine Kiessling, Times Union: Despite all of the reworking, the Disney magic of the original movie and Broadway musical remains. The ballroom scene — considered a marvel in the film for its blend of computer and hand drawn animation — still enchants. When Belle first appears in her yellow ball gown, a collective gasp ripples throughout the audience. The Oscar-winning titular ballad, sung by Kathy Voytko’s warm, nurturing Mrs. Potts, commands rapt attention and reminds us what is at the heart of this story (and of the superb talents of the late lyricist Howard Ashman, who died of AIDS eight months before the original film’s release).

Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune: This touring cast features plenty of Broadway talents, including Voytko, a longtime Chicago actor who made headlines in 2021 by stepping in for Sutton Foster last-minute to star opposite Hugh Jackman in “The Music Man.” The most touching casting choice, though, is the late Angela Lansbury as the voice of the prologue narrator. The beloved stage and screen actress, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the original film, died in 2022, shortly after the closing of the West End revival on which this tour is based. When Lansbury’s familiar voice delivers the show’s opening line, “Once upon a time, in a faraway land,” there’s a bittersweet sense of the baton being passed to younger generations of actors, entrusting them with this tale as old as time.

Katy Walsh, The Fourth Walsh: Director and Choreographer Matt West paces this to perfection with the support of his dynamic designers and energetic ensemble! Scenic Designers Stanley A. Meyer (scenic), Natasha Katz (lighting) and Darrel Maloney (Projection/Video) team up to seamlessly take the audience from sunny village to gloomy woods to majestic fortress. The musical number “Be Our Guest” is a showstopper. Ann Hould-Ward (costumes) adds to the colorful spectacle with multiple wardrobe changes. The ensemble go from polished flatware to ruffled skirts to golden top hats. They tap. They kickline. And my favorite, they lay down on the stage. A camera captures their kaleidoscope movements for this mesmerizing dance sequence. West’s stagecraft dazzles! In the finale, Jim Steinmeyer (illusion) gives Philippe a bewitching onstage metamorphosis. In a word… magic!

Alan Bresloff, Around The Town Chicago: Tonight’s opening was spectacular. While the cast appears a little smaller in numbers than previous productions, the talent of the major players and the ensemble is outstanding, making each musical number strong and drawing audience approval that was amazing. There is nothing like a “showstopper” in any production, and in this one “Be Our Guest” had people applauding, cheering and even a few on their feet, and this number is not even the first act finale. It was followed by the amazing “If I Can’t Love Her” sung by The Beast ( a powerful portrayal by Fergie L. Phillippe).

Rachel Weinberg, BroadwayWorld: Whether you’re a millennial like me who grew up watching the original Disney film or you’re looking to take young kids to their first musical, this is a wonderful choice. It’s a visual marvel full of Disney magic. This talented cast bring these canonical characters to the stage in a way that pays homage to the source but also allows their personalities and talents to shine.

Rachel Weinberg, BroadwayWorld: Whether you’re a millennial like me who grew up watching the original Disney film or you’re looking to take young kids to their first musical, this is a wonderful choice. It’s a visual marvel full of Disney magic. This talented cast bring these canonical characters to the stage in a way that pays homage to the source but also allows their personalities and talents to shine.

Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun Times: “Beauty and the Beast” is far more escapist than revelatory. But with its pleasing score, A-list cast and visuals that make your pupils feel like pinwheels, this production feels ready for a remount on Broadway.

Jared Fessler, BroadwayWorld: Here’s the thing: this production isn’t out to surprise you. It’s not edgy, it’s not ironic, and it’s not reinventing anything. What it does do — maybe better than expected — is lean into the sincerity of the story without making it feel dated. It respects the source material, respects the audience, and lets the emotion speak for itself. There’s a scene where the Beast gives Belle the library, and it’s staged so simply, but it kind of sneaks up on you. That’s the vibe of the whole show. It’s not trying to wow you every second. It’s just telling a story it clearly loves.

Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities Pioneer Press: They spearhead a marvelously memorable waltz about the pub, “Gaston,” only to have it eclipsed back at the castle by an almost overwhelmingly entertaining “Be Our Guest.” For that, choreographer West and the cast employ one impeccably executed vintage dance device after another, from the can-can to kaleidoscopic, Busby Berkeley-style aerial views, concluding in a virtually full-cast tap extravaganza and, on Wednesday night, a partial mid-show standing ovation.

Emily Schenk, BroadwayWorld: This production has to be seen to be believed. I invite anyone who loves Disney and anyone who wants to see real-life magic come to life to head to the Fisher Theater now through October 12.

Karen Rich, City Pulse: Kyra Belle Johnson was born to play Belle — and not just because of her middle name. She strikes the perfect balance between brainy and brave. Opposite her, Fergie L. Philippe gives the Beast real emotional heft. He’s gruff, funny and surprisingly tender. Despite their combined talent, both take a backseat to the immortal Angela Lansbury, whose recorded voice opens the show with the iconic prologue. But really, if you have to play second fiddle to a dead woman, you could do worse than the OG Mrs. Potts.

Jarrod Michael, BroadwayWorld: The standout of the production, without question, is Kyra Belle Johnson. Her character is consistent and direct. Although many personalities in the new script seemed to have significant changes, the role of Belle is tried and true. Johnson’s highlight moment is the song “A Change in Me” in Act Two. Her powerhouse vocals paired with her impeccable technical placement give the audience everything they could want in that moment.

Faith Huey, Post Crescent: As one of the show's main characters, Philippe was a perfect portrayal of a tormented, defensive and lonely beast. His mannerisms were similar to a large cat as he crouched, pounced and charged along the stage, and paired with the incredible costume showing his two large horns and tail, an elongated spine and fur from head to toe, it was impossible to look away from him anytime he was present.

Rowan Bickelhaupt, The Pitch: Kyra Belle Johnson’s Belle had the voice of a true Disney princess: sweet, clear, and distinct from the film’s version while still feeling timeless. She was joyful and curious, especially once Belle showed her obstinate nature. Her act two solo, “A Change in Me”, which seemed both grounded and ethereal, was her most extraordinary vocal performance.

TN Tribune, The Tennessee Tribune: Under the direction of Matt West, this production is filled with a talented and funny cast of Broadway and tour veterans like Javier Ignacio (Cogsworth), Danny Gardner (Lumiere), Kathy Voytko (Mrs. Potts), and Cameron Monroe Thomas (Babette).

Jill Ripa, BroadwayWorld: The joy radiating from everyone in the audience produced an infectious energy, especially the children’s laughter throughout the night. They got quite a kick out of Beast, played by Fergie L. Philippe. If you get a chance to see this touring production, I would highly recommend it. The story will soften your heart, and the magic will take your breath away. There’s nothing so joyful and energizing as watching a stage full of talented and skilled performers pour their hearts out through each step and with each note of such a heartwarming, spectacle-filled, magical production as this!

Average Rating: 88.2%