Beauty and The Beast

With music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Beauty and the Beast was adapted from Walt Disney’s animated film of 1991. It premiered on Broadway in 1994 running there for 13 years and opened in London’s West End in 1997. After a couple of UK tours the show was revived there in 2022. It is a popular choice for school and amateur productions. 

Bosco’s first main set was backed by a lovely painted cloth of an old fashioned village scene and later by one depicting the interior of the Beast’s castle, with central grand staircase and shallow upper level. All the props were well made and styled to the 1700s period – eg. a pretty village centre wishing well in the opening scene and luxurious double ended chaise longue in the castle. Lighting was atmospheric with nice coloured haze in the beams. Only once was the follow spot slow to find its mark. Sound was at its best when the orchestra was not at full volume. Special praise must go to Costume Design & Creation team – Ciara Jennings and Kathleen McAteer. Every costume on stage was their creation – either designed and made from scratch or redesigned from a former piece. Each and every costume was beautifully made to period or character, and there were many - nearly every cast member had multiple costumes!! Ladies – you are a talented pair and Bosco would be poorer without you!  

The prologue, which explains the reason behind the story, was beautifully danced by the Enchantress (Olivia Ward) who was changed from an ugly old woman. She had a band of “spirits” who effectively surrounded her as she changed and again later on, as the beast was transformed back to the handsome Prince. 

With over 100 young people taking part, the ensemble was huge. It was very well managed with differing smaller groups coming forward to dance special parts and scenes. The three Silly Girls – Eabha Monaghan, Molly McNally & Orla Byrne – acted in unison and each suitably ‘silly’! Being the object of their desires, Gaston played by Patrick McAllister, fulfilled the role with an egotistical sneer and his self-titled number in the tavern was a show highlight. Gaston’s sidekick Lefou (Shay Devlin) was a wonderfully energetic  comedian who employed lots of slapstick and turned out to have an excellent voice. Belle’s inventor-father Maurice was gently played by Ben Furlong. He showed the eccentricities of the character well and his “No matter what” was nicely performed. 

When the action moved to the Beast’s castle, we were swiftly introduced to the spellbound servants. Lumière was played with a delightful twinkle in his eye by Conor Powell. His French accent may have slipped occasionally but his flirty manner did not! The ‘candlestick’ arms were portrayed by battery powered candles which unfortunately cannot be turned on and off by the actor.  We are more used to the flames being fanned silks and actually, I do think that that method makes more of an impact. The very British character role of Cogsworth was taken by Micheal-Sean McAteer, speaking with RP. (received pronunciation). Having been transformed from Butler in charge of the household, Micheal-Sean maintained his snobbish attitude although, in truth, Cogsworth was quite insecure and desperate to return to his original state. Mrs Potts was charmingly played in maternal way by Emilia Quinn  - and what a beautiful and clever costume she had! Her young son Chip was cheerfully played by Aidan McCaughey, despite what must have been an uncomfortable position in the tea trolley! Sophia Murphy was French maid Babette – transformed into a feather duster! She spoke with enhanced French accent and body movement as she flirted with Lumière! Robyn Cunningham was Madame de la Grande Bouche who is always reminiscing about her days as an Opera star. Robyn had a difficult but effective costume as a bureau, which she managed well and maintained the dramatic “diva” character role. 

The two protagonists – Beauty and the Beast – were played by Emily Morgan and Charlie Rafferty. Named Belle, the young girl was defined by her fondness for reading books was thought of as rather odd. Emily showed Belle’s strong and independent nature in her first reactions to the Beast and the gradual softening attitude towards him. She had a lovely soft soprano voice when singing with Maurice early on in “No Matter What” and “A Change in Me”  and could increase the intensity when the music demanded it. Emily also showed comedic timing when dealing with Gaston and she was a lovely interpretive dancer. 

Charlie portrayed an arrogant young prince who fell victim to his own selfishness in the prologue and was transformed into the fearsome beast. Although only a 5th year schoolboy, Charlie tackled this role with energy and maturity as he gradually changed from a “wild” animal to a creature who could love and be loved. His interaction with Belle was pretty good and his pleasant vocals were well employed in “If I can’t Love Her”. 

Bosco's production team put an immense amount of work into this show. Director Corinna McCaughey and her assistant Ruairi Gorman (who was also an efficient Stage Manager) inspired this young cast to become totally involved in the story and brought out the very best in them, especially the principal players. Ann Marie Morgan’s choreographic expertise managed many amazing routines and gave everyone a chance to shine – those whose skills lay with gymnastics were especially utilised. “Be My Guest” was a fantastic spectacle as was the drinking song “Gaston” – both involving new and innovative choreography. The score of this quintessential Disney piece is considered to be one of the best of the 1990s and MD Aislinn McGinn led her orchestra with expertise. It was lovely to see a baby grand piano among the instruments, but I fear that it was a bit lost among the wind and brass. I do wish that a way could be found in Newry Town Hall to contain the orchestral volume in the absence of a ‘pit’. 

It was a pleasure to meet the cast on stage after the curtain, and I thank everyone involved for a great evening’s entertainment. I am sad to be handing over the reins as NODA Representative but can assure you that Kerry will be a worthy successor.

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