Belmont University’s Musical Theatre program recently put on its own production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and it was certainly worth the wait. Directed by David Shamburger, with musical direction by Nate Strasser and choreography by Anna Perry, the cast delivered a professional and polished performance that rivaled any national touring company.
Maya Kaempf played the role of Belle with confidence and grace, capturing the character’s independent spirit and captivating the audience with her performance. Noah Sowalskie played the Beast with fierce charm and a commanding presence, while Patrick Dunbar brought Gaston to life with the perfect amount of arrogance. Chamberlin Little’s portrayal of LeFou provided the perfect sidekick for Gaston, and Simon Elliott’s portrayal of Belle’s father Maurice was both bumbling and believable.
Dylan Pearson’s Lumiere, Maddie Heckler’s Babette, and Kathryn Crandall’s Madame de la Bouche brought the household staff of the Beast’s castle to life, while Delaney Carrol, Elayna Sirrine, and Payton Tabb shone as the “silly girls” Les Filles de la Ville. Leah Spurlock’s Mrs. Potts and Simon Strasser’s Chip provided the perfect amount of heart to the production.
The large ensemble cast brought the show to vibrant life, particularly during the big musical numbers like “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston.” Anna Perry’s elaborate choreography elicited applause from the audience, while Nate Strasser’s musical direction of the 17-member orchestra lent an air of sophistication to the show.
The design elements, from Richard Davis’ lighting to Melissa Durmon’s costumes, provided a visual feast throughout the production. Christopher Bangos and Ivan Sobek’s audio design and sound effects were top-notch, ensuring that audiences could see and understand every scene as it unfolded.
Belmont University’s production of Beauty and the Beast proved to be a major hit with audiences, and it’s clear that the school’s Musical Theatre program has much to look forward to in future seasons. With a talented cast and a creative and dedicated production team, this production of Beauty and the Beast was truly a magical experience.
