If you want a break from beastly New England summer weather, make tracks to Beverly and Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre for their delightful production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The beloved Disney cartoon has been wonderfully adapted to the in-the-round stage at NSMT, and audiences are loving it.
Director Michael Heitzman has assembled a wonderful cast to tell the story set to music by Alan Menken, with Lyrics by Tim Rice, based on a book by Linda Wolverton and original Direction by Robert Jess Roth. Music Direction is by Rick Fox, Choreography by Lisa Shriver, Scenic Design by Stephen Dobay, Original Costume Design by Ryan J. Moller, Additional Costume Design by Sandra Pelletier, Lighting by John Burkland, Sound by Don Hanna, Makeup by Dena Olivieri, Wigs by Gerard Kelly.
- The pivotal role of Belle is played by Rose Hemingway. She is lovely, delightful, and charming, winning the hearts of the Beast and of the audience. She shines in the opening number, as well as in "Home" and "A Change In Me." There were a handful of times when she was singing in her upper register that I would have appreciated more support in her voice, but that is a technical quibble, for overall she is a very engaging Beauty.
- Stephen Cerf is a formidable Beast. He makes a triumphant return to the Boston area, having studied at Boston Conservatory before embarking on a career that has taken him to Broadway and on several national tours. His two shining moments vocally occur near the end of Act 1 with "How Long Must This Go On?" and "If I Can't Love Her," which gave me chills. The writing in this song is Menken and Rice at their best. I trust that the sound department has resolved the Opening Night problems with his microphone. He persevered through those technical struggles, and portrayed a believable and sympathetic Beast who showed a range of emotions from petulant to vulnerable.
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| Stephen Cerf as Beast Rose Hemingway as Belle Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" North Shore Music Theatre Through July 30th Photo by Paul Lyden |
- NSMT favorite son David Coffee returns to this stage to portray Belle's beleaguered father, Maurice. He is his usual impressive and engaging self in this paternal role!
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David Coffee as Maurice
Rose Hemingway as Belle
Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"
North Shore Music Theatre
Through July 30th
Photo by Paul Lyden
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- In the role of Gaston, Taylor Crousore is wonderfully and appropriately cartoonish as the narcissistic oaf who is a paragon of entitlement and macho cluelessness. His moment in the spotlight is the self-title number "Gaston." He is, indeed, specially good at expectorating.
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Taylor Crousore as Gaston
Andrew Kruep as Lefou
Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"
North Shore Music Theatre
Through July 30th
Photo by Paul Lyden
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- As Gaston's longsuffering sidekick, Lefou, Andrew Kruep is a revelation. He combines physical comedic timing with self-deprecating humor to create a wonderful foil for the boisterous and boastful Gaston.
- The enchanted staff members of the castle are wonderfully cast. Christiane Noll as Mrs. Potts is as warm and refreshing as the tea she brews. Her rendition of the title song is a highlight of this production. As her son, Chip, Ben Choi-Harris is an absolute delight. Benjamin Howes illuminates the stage as Lumiere. Ryah Nixon is the bubbly and buxom Babette, Phillip Taratula is amusingly arch as Cogsworth. Joy Hermalyn is the operatic Madame de la Grande Bouche. Her lyric soprano voice soars on several occasions. They are joined by the Ensemble in the rollicking anthem "Be Our Guest," which is elegantly staged and choreographed as a highlight of the show.
- Heather Klobukowski helps to kick off the action of the play as the Enchantress, cursing the Young Prince (Cam Perrin). Mark DiConzo is the Bookseller who gives Belle the volumes that she treasures.
- David Wright as Carpet does handsprings and cartwheels across the stage throughout the show. He is joined by Mr. DiConzo as Salt and Ben Cullen as Pepper.
- The three Silly Girls who swoon over Gaston as Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong, Caitlin Wilayto, and Daisy Wright.
- Additional Ensemble members are Katie Anderson, Briana Fallon, Joshua Gillespie, Justin Ronald Mock, Tyler Roberts, and David Visini.
"Beauty and the Beast" will run through July 30th. Make a day of it on the North Shore - picnic, trip to the beach, and a memorable evening of theater. Bill Hanney and his team say to you: "Be our guest"!
Enjoy!
Al
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