Beauty and the Beast Musical: A Spectacular Production Review
In 1991, the Disney animated film of Beauty and the Beast was released, and spectators marveled at its sheer brilliance. It was no surprise that critics were thrilled with the idea of a live stage adaptation. In 1994, Broadway premiered Beauty and The Beast, featuring all eight songs from the movie in addition to six new songs by Alan Menken, Tim Rice, and Howard Ashman, with a libretto by Linda Woolverton.
For over 13 years, the captivating musical remained a hit with audiences and critics alike with more than 5,000 performances delivered. Today, it remains a staple in American musical theatre, a testament to its popularity and success. The perfect blend of romance, humor, drama, and music is what makes Beauty and the Beast an all-time classic.
In 2023, Belmont University Musical Theatre presented its rendition of this beloved musical, directed by David Shamburger, assisted by Nate Strasser in musical direction and Anna Perry in choreography. The BUMT production was a massive success, featuring a capable cast that delivered powerful and mesmerizing performances in the beautiful and well-appointed Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Sierra Fermin and Maya Kaempf, both alternating in the character of Belle, captivated their audience with confident performances; their outstanding chemistry with Noah Sowalskie’s Beast made their scenes together exceedingly remarkable. Sowalksie was in his element as the fiercely charming and commanding prince cursed to become a Beast until he found true love.
Patrick Dunbar played the boorish Gaston perfectly, with Chamberlin Little as his sidekick LeFou, making every scene they appeared in sheer delight. The performance of Delaney Carrol, Elayna Sirrine, and Payton Tabb as Les Filles de la Ville (the silly girls) was exceptional.
Simon Elliott portrayed Belle’s inventor father, Maurice, with the requisite maturity and believability, while the BUMT bench of musical performers proved impressive. Josh Jordan performed splendidly as Lumiere, Dylan Pearson was brilliantly unctuous as Cogsworth, Maddie Heckler was coquettish and alluring as Babette, and Kathryn Crandall impressed as Madame de la Bouche.
Leah Spurlock was every bit the elegant retainder of the Beast’s house as Mrs. Potts, and her performance of the show’s lovely title song was magnificent. Simon Strasser, the son of musical director Nate Strasser, shone as her son, Chip, with his role excellently executed.
Additionally, the ensemble that gave life to the show was impressive, with the big musical numbers employing elaborate choreography by Anna Perry that delivered a stunningly breathtaking performance. The musical direction of Nate Strasser and his 17-member orchestra was sophisticated and professional. Special mention must be made of Richard Davis’ extraordinary light design that brought life to every scene, while Christopher Bangos and Ivan Sobek’s sound design effectively conveyed the required audio and sound effects.
The beautiful costumes designed by Melissa Durmon paired well with the rest of the design elements to deliver a visually captivating masterpiece.
In summary, BUMT Beauty and the Beast delivered a thrilling production that was enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The musical provides a perfect blend of romance, humor, drama, and music. As one of America’s favorite musicals, Beauty and the Beast will continue to delight audiences for generations to come.
