Beauty and the Beast Jnr

                 

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Deborah Marks  and was able to discuss the production with her then and again after the performance.

This large auditorium was nearly full with an enthusiastic and partial  local audience . The large (about 50) and  young cast were all aged between 6 and 17 years old with some of the older members clearly demonstrating improved confidence since the previous productions.

The set was fairly basic but very colourful and effective especially the woodland and the village scenes. A simple palace set was attractive with lighting and candlesticks. A flimsy curtain presented a few challenges but cleverly reflected the changes in lighting. Most props were of the human kind eg  the clock , the lamps ,teapot and the wardrobe. Costumes were very colourful and mostly made or altered by the society and some were quite extravagant in style and colour.

Sound levels were just right with music provided by backing tracks. To the cast’s credit everyone was in time with the music and vocal arrangements by Leanne Barber were clearly and cleverly devised to cope with the range of vocal ability.

Without exception all the cast performed their roles very well and were obviously carefully cast . The four narrators, Ruby C, Darci, Ella and Eleni set the scene at the side of the stage. Tetti, as Belle was innocent but very smart and had a lovely voice.Stan was the Prince, turned into the Beast by the old woman (Esme), and he acted this role well with two sides to his personality. I enjoyed the character of Gaston, well portrayed by Zach as arrogant, pompous and full of his own importance. His side kick, Lefou was acted very enthusiastically by Cordelia and the three Le Filles ( Lily, Evie and Ruby W) were frivolously chasing Gaston. Belle’s father, Maurice, was played compassionately by Marley and I liked the role of the major domo, Cogsworth, played well by Alice C.

Now we come to the “human”props, all played with real feeling and skill. Erin as Lumiere, turning into an impressive candlebra with an amazing costume, flirting with the maid, his girlfriend Babette. (Caitlin M).  Mrs Potts, as the teapot, was played by Alys T as a warm homely cook with her son, Chip, a teacup.(Betty).They were brilliant in the song Be Our Guest along with rows of dancing cutlery. The scene looked terrific ! Rose and Ivy were delightful as two lamps, complete with impressive head gear. Great acting from these two girls.. Harriet and Harry were the rug , enthusiastically manoeuvring  around as needed. Lewis was very sinister as Monsieur D’Arque and Hayden ( so tall) was amazing as Madame de la Grande Bouche, becoming a wardrobe. His costume was quite spectacular and he was a larger than life character.

The villagers, servants  and wolves were kept very busy on stage and the stage was filled with movement and energy. Dance routines were sparkling and well performed and there was so much energy and enthusiasm on stage.

Many congratulations to Director Deborah Marks, Leanne Barber, and choreographer  Gemma Field for their innovation and ideas and putting it all into practice. An excellent team and a thoroughly enjoyable performance. Well done to everyone involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.