Beauty and the Beast

Covering for another rep who was otherwise engaged with another show in the region I looked forward to visiting Riverside MTC to see them perform their annual musical – this time the lavish Beauty and the Beast from the safe stable of ‘Disney.’ Being a Disney musical most everyone knows the story and it is a firm favourite with youngsters and adults alike.
However, when transferred to the stage it is difficult to create all the magical illusions and spectacular sets. Riverside threw away the rule book and created the enchanted castle, the provincial village and the spooky woods in a set that was believable but nevertheless practical.

From the very beginning of the prologue with the dulcet tones of the ‘Narrator’ (Steve Todd) as he set the ‘backstory’ of the prince’s rudeness and inconsideration to the ‘Enchantress’ (a role shared by Anna Skipsey and Bo Welch). The Prince’s rudeness causes a spell to be cast on the castle and all within it until the Prince could fall in love and have it reciprocated in return.

Fast forward a few years and we see ‘Belle’ (Katie Barton) standing out as a cut above the rest in the village of ‘provincial people.’ Katie was the epitome of Belle with very measured dialogue and sweet tuneful vocals – keeping to the character of Belle without being OTT. Her father ‘Maurice’ (Roy Evans) had to look eccentric and indeed did, but his acting and singing was ‘just right’ for the gentle daughter loving father he was supposed to be. The song, ‘No Matter What’ between the two was gently delivered, and thus, superb.

Talking about OTT characters the roles of ‘Gaston’ (Jonny Robson) and ‘Lefou’ (John Ronsdale) epitomised these two very different characters. Jonny playing the role as overly confident with a dash of self-entitlement; John meanwhile was the subservient lackey to his master and the pair worked and sung really well together giving the comedic edge to the musical.
Of course ‘Gaston’ is in love (in his own mind) with ‘Belle’ causing consternation in the three ‘Les Filles la Ville’ (Silly Girls – Sarah Hamblett, Charlotte Taylor and Abbey Underwood) – it was amusing to watch their combined antics in trying to individually be noticed by their ‘prize’.

In the enchanted castle that ‘Belle’ is imprisoned after rescuing her father we come across the servants in various guises; ‘Cogsworth’ (Martin Anderson) who excelled as the pedantic and rigid disciplinarian ‘head of the household’; ‘Madame de la Grand Bouche’ (Jane Gibson) spending enchanted life as a ‘wardrobe’ – mostly soporific but nevertheless a ‘force’ to be reawakened; ‘Mrs Potts’ (Kathy Bevan) – ideally cast as the down to earth ‘mother of the household who sang beautifully the title song ‘Beauty and the Beast’; ‘Babette’ (Ashlee Sond) the vivacious ex maid servant but now feather duster intent on pursuing her relationship with ‘Lumiere’ (Matthew Finkel) – Matthew glowed as the butler turned candlestick with a sparkling manner as he somewhat cheekily smiled throughout.

Hid within a cabinet most of the show with only head showing as ‘Chip’ – Jenson Richardson provided the ‘ahh’ factor. However, spare a thought for young Emily Crawford who after rehearsing for months, performed in the dress rehearsal; then was denied her opportunity to perform in front of an audience after falling and breaking her collarbone – get well soon Emily.

‘Monsieur D’Arque’ (Alex Neal) finalised the principal cast with a cameo role as the ‘lunatic asylum’ owner that was cajoled by Gaston into locking Belle’s father up as a means of persuading Belle to marry him.

The combined ensemble of splendid Dance team with excellent choreography, Chorus and Children’s Chorus (Annie Crawford, Phoebe Galer, Eloise Hill, Isla Kerry and Rosie Lowrie) completed the line up.

At its very heart Beauty and the Beast tells the love story of ‘Belle’ and the ‘Beast’ (Dylan Stobbs). Both Katie and Dylan worked well together ranging from the mildly comedic relationship when Belle is reading to the Beast in the library to the awkward first signs of love blossoming over dinner during the number ‘Something There.’ I also loved the Act 1 finale number by Dylan, “If I can’t Love Her”.

The set was lavish as were the sumptuous costumes of Belle in particular - showstopper numbers littered the score – no more so than the magnificently performed ‘Be Our Guest’ choreographed by Julie J. Laws. The transformation from Beast to Prince well performed and singing excelled from all. Backing tracks were expertly handled by Suzy Wake fetching singers in on time. All brought together in a seamless final product by Bex Crawford as Director.

Well done Riverside a Sumptuous production…

 

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