Photos by: Joan Marcus
The Disney Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast,” with Emily Behny (left) as Belle and Dane Agostinis as the Beast runs through April 22 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. For tickets or more information call 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com.
The Disney Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast,” runs through April 22 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. The enchanted objects include James May (left) as Cogsworth, Jen Bechter as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Michael Haller as Lumiere, Chandon Jones as Babbette and Julia Hosack as Mrs. Potts. The role of Chip (in tea cart) is played by Noah Jones and Jordan Moore. For tickets or more information call 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: MORE THAN A MOVIE
The Fisher Theatre’s touring Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast” is not a remake of the Disney movie. It features new songs, beautiful sets and big song and dance numbers that go beyond enchanted dancing silverware.
TOO LONG FOR TOTS
However, be forewarned: young children – even those who enjoy the movie – may become bored. If a youngster can’t sit through live entertainment or religious services, don’t expect them to last for a musical.
Even from mid-house it is difficult even for early elementary children to remain focused, especially during the soft ballads. There are also frightening fight scenes that can scare little ones. During Act II one of the two youngsters seated in front of us fell asleep while the other retreated to the lobby with his father. A word to the wise: spend money on a sitter instead of tickets for preschoolers. They aren’t ready for a large professional venue, even if they do keep quiet like the two children in front of us did.
A SMALL PROVINCIAL TOWN
“Beauty and the Beast” (if you’ve been in isolation for the last twenty years) is the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and a once arrogant prince trapped in the body of a beast until he can learn that love is more than skin deep. Throw in a lively chorus of villagers and enchanted objects, and you have a fun show to savor.
SETTING THE TONE
The sets are rich in jewel tone colors, with tapestry-like designs. The tavern scene actually features a Latvian needle point star pattern in the design. While the original touring company sets brought the movie to life, the latest version incorporates eastern European wood carvings and gilded manuscripts, giving the production a rich visual appeal.
FROM ASHMAN TO RICE
Several new songs were written in 1994 when the story took to the stage. While Alan Menkin wrote the music and the late Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics for the movie, Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for the additional songs created for the stage version.
QUIET BALLADS DON'T CAPTURE ATTENTION QUICKLY ENOUGH
However, some of the new songs are too quiet in the beginning, and they lose the attention of the audience – especially the children. The Beast’s song “If I Can’t Love Her” at the end of Act 1, and its reprise in Act 2, are not good showcases for Dane Agostinis, who plays the Beast. His belting voice is strong, but his soft voice is weak, and just barely stays on key. His acting is wonderful. However, when he finally becomes a prince again (when the mask comes off) he looks plain and tired – he reminded me of Luke’s father (Darth Vader) in Star Wars when the scary black face shield came off at the end of the battle – he’s pale and sweaty. Audiences expect a handsome prince, and one would think a Broadway tour could make any actor look good.
BEHNY AS BELLE
Emily Behny as Belle is all around wonderful – a marvelous actress, vocally strong and sincere and she effortlessly make the part hers.
WHEN GARGOLES CAN'T WALTZ
The chorus is a lot of fun, even if some of the male chorus were weak dancers. During “To Be Human Again” some of the female chorus dragged some of the male ensemble through a brief waltz segment. However, the kids won’t notice that, and most grownups won’t either.
There is a delightful percussive pewter tavern mug scene that is original and fun, and the show-stopping enchanted servants’ “Be Our Guest” is fun and uplifting.
DISNEY RAIN
The special effects are neat – including the illusion of rain generated through the use of a scrim and superb lighting effects. Be advised, though, that a strobe is used when the beast turns back into human form if you are suseptible to seizures.
VIOLENT END
One other warning – Gaston stabs the Beast in the back after the Beast spares him – which is very frightening for children. The other scary stuff – wild wolves and fist fights – aren’t too terrible.
SHOW CLOSES APRIL 22
The show closes Sunday, April 22, so if you’re a fan of the tale old as time, catch it while you can. Tickets are available at the Fisher Theatre box office and through TicketMaster.
No comments:
Post a Comment