Review: 3-D THEATRICALS Closes Its Truly Gorgeous BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Beauty and the Beast/book by Linda Woolverton/music by Alan Menken; lyrics by Howard Ashman &Tim Rice/Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions/directed by T.J. Dawson/3-D Theatricals. Redondo/through February 28 CLOSED

"Tale as old as time" nails the complex simplicity of Beauty and the Beast the quintessential story of true love, the most difficult to obtain and sustain. Disney's adaptation of the fairy tale with its sweepingly imaginative spectacle won over even the hardest of hearts. The animated film was such a tremendous hit in 1991 that it was adapted for the stage in 1994 with new songs by Tim Rice added to the Academy Award-winning movie score by deceased Howard Ashman. It ran worldwide until 2007 and proves undoubtedly that fairy tales retain a popularity that never dies... and that the story translates beautifully to the stage with vibrant actors recreating all the animated figures.. This new production by 3-D Theatricals of Beauty and the Beast, which closed Sunday at the Redondo Performing Arts Center, was every bit as joyful and elegant as the original. I cannot say enough about T. J. Dawson's fabulous direction and casting and Mela Hoyt-Heydon's spectacular costumes that were built completely from scratch by 3-D Theatricals.

Director Dawson and choreographer Billy Sprague, Jr. kept the action magnificently alive from second to second throughout and were supported by a tremendously gifted cast. Afton Quast made the oddly spirited Belle a symbol of perfection, the self-educated provincial girl who understands what it means to be different. Shunned by others because of her solitary preoccupation with books, she is more wise and caring than most girls her age. Alexander Mendoza as the Beast has a magnificent vocal range and essayed the strenuous physical role with towering strength. His transition from mean to tender was a truly delectable experience. Equally physical and vocally adept was Cameron Bond as Gaston, the comically cartoonish bully who proves the real beast of the evening. Bond's comedic moves were just delightful. Comical characters enthrall us in all Disney productions and none more so than the varied over-the-top characters of all shapes and sizes. Dennis Kyle was sheer delight as the candle Lumiere, knocking about with a Maurice Chevalier French accent and stealing every comedic line and reaction with just the right amount of over.the.top expression. Also wonderful were Joey D'Auria as Cogsworth the clock, and Robert Ramirez as Lefou, Gaston's foolish sidekick, whose pratfalls came about every two seconds. Equally delightful were Norman Large as Maurice, Belle's inventor father, and always the dandy actress Tracy Lore as Mrs. Potts, the teapot who sang the title song so beautifully, also Melina Kalomas as the saucy Babette, and the very funny Bree Murphy as Madame de la Grande Bouche, a chest of drawers quite unlike any you've ever seen. Little Bradley Bundlie stood out as Chip, as did giant Dustin Ceithamer as Monsieur D'Arque. The more I see the latter, he fits right in to any cast swimmingly regardless of his tremendous size.

Gateway Productions provided excellent sets, and once again the costumes by Mela Hoyt-Heydon were a treat to behold, some of the gowns more gorgeous than the originals. Lighting design by Jean- Yves Tessier and sound by Julie Ferrin were scrumptious and added much colorful detail to the beloved story. Congrats also to musical director/conductor Julie Lamoureux and her 18-piece orchestra for their magnificent execution of the score. Tim Rice's song "If I Can't Love Her" sung by the Beast as the Act I finale is my favorite. Perhaps the most heartbreaking number in the show, it expresses the intense agony he feels at not being human and more urgently not being loved.

It doesn't really take as much strength to defeat an enemy as it does to win him over. Hate is easy; love is the hardest act to follow. Watching Belle work her magic on the Beast and experiencing his refinement make Disney's Beauty and the Beast sheer enchantment for children of all ages. Another feather in 3-D Theatricals' cap!!

www.3dtshows.com

(photo credit: Isaac James Creative)

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