As one of the most popular titles in the American musical theater canon, Beauty and the Beast has been produced by theater companies of all stripes all over the world. However, in 2023, Belmont University Musical Theatre finally presented its own version of the show, and the results were exceptional.
Directed by David Shamburger, Beauty and the Beast at Belmont University Musical Theatre featured a skilled cast of actors who have honed their skills in order to deliver an outstanding performance. Led by Noah Sowalskie as the Beast, Patrick Dunbar as Gaston, Chamberlin Little as LeFou, and Josh Jordan as Lumiere, and with Sierra Fermin and Maya Kaempf alternating in the role of Belle, this production surely pleased the audience and instilled in them a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Maya Kaempf played Belle flawlessly, delivering a picture-perfect visual of her character while singing the role with confidence and gentleness. Spirited and independent, Kaempf’s Belle captivated everyone in the audience with her portrayal. Her chemistry with Sowalskie’s Beast was palpable, and their growing affection for one another was apparent to everyone watching.
Sowalskie portrayed the Young Prince cursed to become a beast until he could find true and abiding love with fierce charm and command, revealing his leading man bona fides. Dunbar’s Gaston was perfectly arrogant and riveting, ensuring all eyes were on him as he strutted about the stage, with his sidekick LeFou perfectly played by Chamberlin Little. Delaney Carrol, Elayna Sirrine, and Payton Tabb shone as Les Filles de la Ville, colloquially known as the “silly girls.”
The show’s huge ensemble conveyed a vibrant life, particularly during the big, spectacular musical numbers that make Beauty and the Beast so appealing. Anna Perry’s elaborate choreography was beautifully executed, providing the audience with a feast for the eyes, 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.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a beloved tale, and Belmont University Musical Theatre did it justice with its performance. The show’s elaborate lighting, costume design, and top-notch audio design and sound effects, designed by Richard Davis, Melissa Durmon, Christopher Bangos, and Ivan Sobek, all contributed to creating an immersive experience for audiences.
In conclusion, Belmont University Musical Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a resounding success, showcasing the marvels of theater and how it can bring timeless stories to life on stage. The cast and crew’s remarkable skills and talents were on full display, and audiences were spellbound throughout the show.
