Beauty and the Beast Musical: A Timeless Classic Brought to Life
It has been 30 years since the animated film version of Beauty and the Beast was released, yet the magic of this timeless tale lingers on, captivating audiences all over the world. A testament to its enduring popularity, the movie was turned into a hit Broadway musical in 1994, featuring a score that included all eight songs from the film, written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, with an additional six songs by Menken and Tim Rice.
Fast forward to today, and Belmont University Musical Theatre has finally offered audiences its own version of Beauty and the Beast, which proved to be hugely entertaining, compellingly acted, and wonderfully theatrical. Directed by David Shamburger, the musical boasts a tremendously capable cast led by actors Noah Sowalskie (as the Beast), Patrick Dunbar (as Gaston), Chamberlin Little (as LeFou), and Josh Jordan (as Lumiere), with Sierra Fermin and Maya Kaempf alternating in the role of Belle.
Maya Kaempf’s portrayal of Belle was truly captivating; with a picture-perfect visual of her character and singing with the confidence of a genuine artist. Her chemistry with Sowalskie’s Beast was palpable, and the two actors’ growing affection for each other was readily apparent. Sowalskie, who has already proven his leading man bona fides in previous performances, gave a fiercely charming and commanding performance as the cursed Young Prince.
Dunbar’s Gaston was the perfect blend of arrogance and charisma, with LeFou played to perfection by Chamberlin Little. Delaney Carrol, Elayna Sirrine, and Payton Tabb shone as Les Filles de la Ville, colloquially known as the “silly girls.” Simon Elliott was perfectly cast as Belle’s bumbling inventor father Maurice, while the domestic staff at the Beast’s castle, led by Josh Jordan as Lumiere, truly impressed.
Anna Perry’s elaborate choreography was beautifully executed, providing the audience with much to applaud, while Nate Strasser’s musical direction of his 17-member orchestra lent an air of sophistication and professionalism that is the hallmark of BUMT shows. The costumes by Melissa Durmon were stunning, and paired with all the other design elements, provided a visual feast throughout.
The large ensemble did an exceptional job of bringing the show to vibrant life; particularly during the big, spectacular musical numbers that make Beauty and the Beast so appealing. “Be Our Guest” was stunning, and “Gaston” was delightfully over-the-top. Richard Davis’ extraordinary lighting design effectively illuminated every scene, ensuring audiences could see and understand what was happening as demanded by the script.
In conclusion, the Beauty and the Beast musical continues to enthrall audiences with its enduring story of love, sacrifice, and inner beauty. Belmont University Musical Theatre’s production of this classic tale was truly enchanting, and serves as a reminder of the enduring magic of Beauty and the Beast.
