By Kevin Jacobson
The combination of excellent acting and a timeless story makes Disney’s musical “Beauty and the Beast” at Capitol Theatre the best show in Utah.
Based on the animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of the beauty Belle, who is dissatisfied with the simple life in her small French village.
The transfigured Beast is the master of his enchanted castle, and is cursed to live forever as a hideous creature unless he can find someone to see past his horrible appearance and learn to love him.
When Belle becomes a prisoner in the castle, a frightening captivity turns into a fairy-tale romance between the two.
While the story is familiar to anyone who has seen the animated film, the musical production takes the tale to new heights with stunning acting, beautiful music and exciting effects.
Susan Owen (Belle) and Grant Norman (Beast) bring the fairy-tale romance to life. Owen acts with charm and charisma, and brings a sense of noble distinction to her character. Norman dynamically portrays the Beast, who is both terrifying and kind-hearted.
Chris Hoch plays the love-to-hate Gaston with a haughtiness that lends itself perfectly to the prideful character, while Ron Wisniski almost steals the show as the lovable candlestick character Lumiere.
What really makes the stage production different from the animated film is the addition of seven new songs and a much more intricate story line. In addition to such classic songs as “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” new songs like “No Matter What” and “If I Can’t Love Her” deepen the relationships between the characters.
Additional dialogue also allows the characters to be more completely developed. The relationship between Belle and the Beast is more richly described, and the plight of the castle’s staff is made more dramatic.
The staff is portrayed as human beings who are being slowly transformed into household items by the castle’s curse. The horror of being changed into a candlestick or clock is easier for the audience to feel due to the gradual transition.
Accenting the fabulous acting and wonderful songs are exciting special effects. Fiery pyrotechnics, brilliant lights and magic tricks that would make David Copperfield proud offer thrilling effects that make the onstage action more exciting.
While “Beauty and the Beast” is appropriate and appeals to all ages, its running time of 160 minutes puts pressure on the attention span of younger children. However, the captivating performance engrosses the viewer and makes the nearly three hour production seem too short.
With an excellent combination of fine acting and wonderful music, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is one show that definitely should not be missed. For tickets or information call 355-ARTS.
