Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time
Can you believe that it has been nearly 30 years since the release of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast? The animated film captivated audiences across the world and received critical acclaim upon its release. The movie was praised for its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and an excellent soundtrack, featuring iconic songs like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Be Our Guest”.
In 1994, Beauty and the Beast made its way to Broadway, featuring a score with all eight songs from the movie, written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with an additional six songs by Menken and Tim Rice. The production was met with mixed reviews from critics, but audiences loved it, and the show went on to run for over 5,000 performances during its 13-year initial run.
For over two decades now, Beauty and the Beast has become a staple in the world of musical theater, and theater companies of all types have tackled the production with tremendous success, showcasing the impact this timeless story has on audiences of all ages.
Today, we are going to take a closer look at the recent production of Beauty and the Beast by Belmont University Musical Theatre, which premiered at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, in March 2023. The show featured a cast of talented performers who delivered a truly magical and unforgettable night of theater.
The show was directed by David Shamburger, with exceptional musical direction by Nate Strasser and choreography by Anna Perry. The cast was led by Noah Sowalskie as the Beast, Patrick Dunbar as Gaston, Chamberlin Little as LeFou, and Josh Jordan as Lumiere, and Sierra Fermin and Maya Kaempf alternated in the role of Belle.
Maya Kaempf’s portrayal of Belle was captivating and spirited, singing the role with the confidence of a genuine artist. Her chemistry with Sowalskie’s Beast was palpable, and as the two characters interacted, their growing affection for each other was readily apparent. Sowalskie’s fiercely charming and commanding performance as the Beast gave the production a strong anchor to build on.
Dunbar’s Gaston was memorably arrogant, his presence commanding the attention of the audience. He was perfectly matched by Little’s portrayal of LeFou, who provided plenty of comic relief as Gaston’s bumbling sidekick. Delaney Carrol, Elayna Sirrine, and Payton Tabb shone as Les Filles de la Ville, adding to the production’s whimsical touches.
The show’s domestic staff at the Beast’s castle was equally impressive, with Josh Jordan delivering a terrific performance as Lumiere, and Dylan Pearson portraying the Beast’s major domo, Cogsworth, with perfect unctuousness. Maddie Heckler brought her alluring charm to the role of Babette, and Kathryn Crandall impressed as Madame de la Bouche.
Leah Spurlock was every bit the elegant retainer of the household in her portrayal of Mrs. Potts, and her performance of the show’s lovely title song was nothing short of breathtaking. Simon Strasser gave an impeccable performance as her son, Chip, exhibiting the talent and professionalism evident throughout the entire cast.
But it was the large ensemble that brought the show to vibrant life, particularly with the big spectacular musical numbers that make Beauty and the Beast so beloved. Anna Perry’s elaborate choreography was beautifully performed, ensuring the audience had much to applaud, while Nate Strasser’s musical direction of his 17-member orchestra lent sophistication and professionalism to the show. Richard Davis’ lighting design was exceptional, and Melissa Durmon’s costumes were nothing short of beautiful, providing a visual feast throughout the production.
In conclusion, Belmont University Musical Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a truly magical and unforgettable night of theater. With a cast of talented performers, exceptional direction, choreography, and musical direction, the show left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. Even after nearly three decades since its initial release, the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast continues to captivate audiences across the world, proving that some stories really are as old as time.
