Alexis Papalia — Theater Critic

This stage adaptation — with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and book by Kait Kerrigan — manages a semi-successful CliffsNotes of the novel, but the very fact of it being a musical spectacle misses the point of “Gatsby,” a novel that was at its heart a critique of empty flash and spectacle.

Johnson has the songbird trill of a Disney princess with a richness to her voice that makes songs such as Act Two’s “A Change in Me” soar. Her delivery is often sincere, but she also delivers a wryness that shows off Belle’s wit. Philippe’s Beast is extremely human. He possesses a beguiling innocence that makes him more believable as scared than as scary. And we can’t forget our charming castle subjects/objects, who often steal the show. Javier Ignacio as Cogsworth, Kathy Voytko as Mrs. Potts and especially Ben Sears as Lumiere illuminate the dreary castle with humor and warmth.

"Some Like it Hot” is laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish, but it also has a real heart. With nods to social issues like racism, sexism and gender identity, it feels modern, even in its century-old setting. Of course, it still feels like a loving sendup of an all-time great film.

This tour’s principal Fanny Brice is Hannah Shankman, but the opening night audience saw Leah Platt in the role — and Platt was truly a treat. Since the character is a performer, some familiarity has to be baked in for any actor portraying her, but Platt was delightfully comfortable onstage. She deftly navigated the book’s jokes with wit and sparkle, slipping into the shoes of Fanny Brice like they were well-worn.

The cast’s comic timing was impeccable. That includes the show’s lead character, played by Britney Coleman, whose reactions to her friends’ relationship antics were genuine and hilarious throughout. She felt like a best friend anyone would want to have. Seeing the other characters through her eyes made her wistful performance of the show’s powerhouse closing number, “Being Alive,” all the more emotional.