Lucia Serrano — Theater Critic

The soul of the musical—the characters, along with the beautiful melodies by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman (with additional lyrics by Tim Rice)—remains untouched and is elevated by the strong vocals of its leading performers. Belle, played by Kyra Belle Johnson (whose middle name really is Belle!), delivers beautiful, powerful vocals while capturing the character's tenderness, inner strength, and independence. The Beast, played by Fergie L. Philippe, is both sweetly vulnerable and genuinely menacing. He huffs and growls across the stage before revealing a softer side whenever he's with Belle, allowing himself to let his guard down and dare to dream. He beautifully balances those contrasting emotions while performing "If I Can't Love Her."

Leading the production is Jordan Markus, whose performance never slips into caricature. Instead, he channels Michael’s unmistakable vibrato, magnetic stage presence, and effortless dance swagger with remarkable control and emotional depth. Rarely leaving the stage, Markus carries the production with the energy and vulnerability that, at moments, makes audiences do a subtle double take, as if Michael himself were in the room.

Fans of the film will enjoy the nostalgia and appreciate how naturally its theatricality translates to the stage, while newcomers can surrender to this very specific world—even when it takes them on detours through hell, an underage wedding, and even a murder. Ultimately, underneath all the camp and spectacle, the show’s heart lies in its exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the need to be seen. As the opening number reminds us, this may be “a show about death,” but it is equally about love, connection, and laughter.