Be Our Guest

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Everyone, I dare say, has felt like an outsider at some point in their lives. In this story, a young girl, lovingly raised by her widowed father, is the new girl in a small French town. But just like any kid who’s moved to a new city and entered a new school, Belle is made fun of and told she’s odd. The young lady escapes her “provincial life” through books. The only person in town who seems to like the girl is Gaston, a horribly pompous egotist, who wants to marry her because she’s pretty. 

When Maurice, Belle’s inventor father, is captured by the Beast, she offers to take his place. The ugly, frightening Beast is actually a handsome Prince but, because of  his selfish ways, was put under a spell by an enchantress to teach him a lesson. In time, Belle begins to see herself in the Beast. Like Belle, he’s also an outcast because of how he looks, and is simply in need of affection and understanding. Eventually the two fall in love, the spell is broken, the Prince learns a valuable lesson and everyone lives happily ever after.   

Seeing past the exterior of a person and into his or her heart, is how Robert Jess Roth summarized the theme of this story. Roth was the director of the original 1994 Broadway production, the very first film-to-stage adaptation from a Disney movie. The musical opened to great acclaim, winning a Tony Award for its creative costuming, and has become the tenth-longest running production in history. 

This abridged, 75-minute family musical presentation focuses on the main plot line and yet truly captures the heart of the original story. A few of the numbers from the Broadway score have been cut, but all the fan favorites are still here. Thanks to a topnotch cast and production team, the story is exquisitely acted and the songs are beautifully sung and danced. Unless theatergoers are familiar with the original two-and-a-half-hour Broadway production, they won’t miss a thing.

Lovely, multitalented Amber Mak, who has transformed her acting career into being a gifted, much sought-after director/choreographer, adds her own magic to this heartfelt fairy tale. Ms. Mak’s production of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” is currently wowing audiences at Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre, and she’s the genius who made Paramount’s recent production of “The Sound of Music” so special. Here she works with brilliant Music Director/Conductor Charlotte Rivard-Hoster, and her wonderful four-piece backstage orchestra, to bring this family musical to life. The show, written by Linda Woolverton, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, is filled with humor, adventure and sounds as lush as ever. 

Sumptuously lit by Jason Lynch, talented Scenic Designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec has worked closely with brilliant Projection Designer Mike Tutaj to create a literary setting that’s a combination of mobile set pieces and moving images. They meld together, making the audience feel like they’re watching a giant storybook come to life. Notice how even the steps of the Beast’s castle are made of books! And the incredible Theresa Ham has created a wardrobe of colorful, eye-popping costumes and wigs that transform the seventeen actors into the all the familiar Disney characters.

The cast is simply incredible. Lovely Audrey Hare, a Naperville native now living and working in New York, is glorious as Belle. Here she makes her professional Chicago debut, but hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future. She wins the heart of every young boy and girl in the audience with her warmth, humor, vibrant spunk and sweet voice. What perfect casting! As is the Beast, played by handsome Jason Michael Evans, who’s also making his Chicago Shakespeare Theatre debut. Seen at Drury Lane, as well as at theatres all over the country, Mr. Evans owns this role. He nicely balances both the character’s anger and frustration, as well as the Beast’s growing caring and humility. These two actors are the heart and soul of this show.

But the supporting cast is just as gifted and astounding. Christopher Kale Jones, whose voice and comic talent are a gift from the gods, is an hilarious Lumiere, the Candlestick. He welcomes Belle to dinner with a show in the euphoric production number, “Be Our Guest.” He’s matched by the always wonderful James Earl Jones II as Cogsworth, the fastidious, tightly-wound butler who’s been changed into a Clock. James brings his dry wit and broad humor to this role, as well as his velvety baritone voice. Remembered for her many delightful roles all over Chicago and beyond, beautiful Rebecca Prescott makes a perfect Mrs. Potts. Once the head of the kitchen, she’s now a kind-hearted matronly enchanted Teapot, and enchants theatergoers with the sweet title song. And the delightful Harriet Nzinga Plumpp soars vocally and comedically as Madame de la Grande Bouche. This quartet bring vivacity and hope to their heartbreaking production number, “Human Again.”

Dashing David Sajewich, who continually amazes his fans with the variety of character roles he plays, is a fabulously funny Gaston. Deliciously playing the comic villain of the play, he makes swagger and self-absorption into an art form. Along with the entire company, Sajewich, and the hilarious Sam Linda as his put-upon flunky Le Fou, turn the production number “Gaston” into a showstopper. Character actor Michael Kingston, who pops up in shows all over Chicagoland, is a warmhearted Maurice. Layla Joan plays Chip, Mrs. Pott’s young child who has become a teacup, and is truly adorable (she alternates with Evie Hsu in this role). Maya Rowe unleashes her flirtatious side as Babette, a saucy maid turned into a feather duster. As well as playing the freaky and villainous Monsieur D’Arque, Tim Foszcz is a part of the talented ensemble, which includes Emily Ann Brooks, Maggie Malaney, Aalon Smith and Maxel McLoud Schingen.

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is back again with their wonderful family-oriented Summer musicals. Seen on the Navy Pier stage several years ago, “Beauty and the Beast” makes a triumphal return. Audiences will become as enchanted as the characters in the fairy tale as they enjoy this stellar cast, under the imaginative direction of Amber Mak. Theatergoers will walk out humming the score and will definitely feel at home, as they’re invited to “Be Our Guest.”              

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 14-August 20 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the Courtyard Theatre, 800 E. Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the CST box office, by calling 312.595.5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.