Beauty and the Beast Jr

For their second full production this year, HC Vocal and Performance Academy took us deep into France for the Classic Disney tale, Beauty and the Beast JR. Despite being a traditional tale there was nothing old or predictable about this production, instead it was an explosion of originality, colour and packed with energy from the off. 

With a huge cast (even more on the Matinees with the Mini’s joining in) Holly Clifford and Robert Wilson Baker had no choice but to double, and in some places quadruple, the main roles in the show continuing their ethos of allowing every member of the Academy to shine. It certainly worked as for a rare occasion I was able to see both main casts and it would have been extremely hard to pick from the cast available to fill the roles. 

It was very evident how much work had gone on behind the scenes as the make-up, costumes and scenery really shone throughout. The attention to detail in the make-up from Rachel Riley was excellent, the scenery from Matthew Clifford and Lilly Mackenzie filled the stage with colour and the props from Stacey Temple and Nikita Holmes were perfect. Extra detail like the smoke coming from machine and the almost shrine like Rose in the glass showed how much care and attention had been put in. 

The costumes headed up by Beverley Peacock and Jade Shepherd were fantastic throughout. From the Beasts mane, Lumiere’s wonderfully over the top candelabra and Cogsworths Papier mâché clock right through to elegance of Belle’s gown and carefully matched ensemble outfits, nothing looked out of place. Now I know I have mentioned a few individuals, but I know that every parent and helper has put in so much time behind the scenes, and every single one deserves praise for their commitment to the production. 

The Production itself was incredibly slick and so well paced, in fact I was in shock when the interval came, and the Production team of Holly, Robert and Anna Pavey really utilised the space available to them. Clever use of the many entrances and the large space in front of the stage at Hummersknott Academy allowed scene changes to roll along and despite my eagle eye catching a few little hiccups technically it excelled with the lighting and sound really on cue. The stage crew ensured big staging blocks and props were on and off quicker than a falling Rose petal.

Artistically it was lovely to watch. From the clever prologue utilising the dancing ability of the Academy through to the huge Chorus numbers. Each scene had purpose and great energy and most importantly the whole cast appeared to be having the time of their lives.

On top of the well-known characters, this musical is famously remembered for its huge ensemble numbers more than anything else. HCVPA certainly did this credit. Human Again and Be Our Guest were spectacular with every member appearing at different points as cutlery, table ware and even coat hangers and there was so much action going on I was not quite sure where to look. The Gaston number was so lively it could easily have been set in a raucous bar in Paris and the opening number of Belle (although the stage did seem a bit crowded in this number) got everyone into the action from the start with some lovely choreography and routines. For me, the ensemble number of the night had to be Mob Song. For a number that often does not have impact this version was tremendous. The dark stage matched perfectly with the flame lit torches and the whole mob were as one. The tight unit looked fierce and menacing as they descended upon the castle.

Before I get onto the main principals, I must give praise to some of the other roles who really shone. All six of the younger members playing the great role of “Silly Girls” aptly all lived up to their names. The giggling was infectious and the little hand fan waving to the face was genius. The way they all chased Gaston about, later mocking him for his failures was excellent and their lines were clear and well projected. 

One of the best younger roles in the show has to be that of Chip and in Olivia Grainger and Millie Dickson I was spoilt and amazed not only by the clarity of their lines but the confidence and stage presence for girls so young, huge well done. 

Summer Johnstone and Eva Laing were the perfect crazy Maurice, both giving a lovely balance between crazy inventor and doting father. Taylor Harland and Freddie Dale were both well chosen as Monsieur D’Argue and their evil glances and sly mannerisms perfect in character for the owner of the mad house. 

All the cast throughout the run had individual moments and all displayed good character traits, whether as booksellers, flower girls, milkmaids, or narrators. They all delivered strong performances adding to the overall impact of the production. 

Sadly, it was impossible to see everyone, when parts were quadruple cast, however, looking at their participation in the ensemble it is very easy to see why they had been picked to play principal roles, and I am sure they will all have excelled. 

Now most of Beauty and The Beast takes place in the Castle where we have the most loveable characters in the staff, all sadly cast under the spell and changed into household items. These characters have become iconic characters in the film, and now the Musical too. 

The Wardrobe, Madame De La Grande Bouche may have less of a speaking role but is vital to the plot and storyline and in Lexi Thompson and Chloe Hanks we had two young actresses who really built the character well. Lexi giving us a lovely quiet nature yet packing a real punch in her voice and temper during the castle riot. Chloe Hanks also really built the character well and almost shattered windows with her top note in the fight. 

The flirtatious maid, Babette was played by Holly Neale and Isadora Davis on my nights and both girls brought true cheek to the role. Isadora really coming into her own in her flirty scene with Lumiere whilst Holly clearly embraced the accent and teasing of Maurice in their opening scene. 

Holly Wake and Lacey Simpson played the wonderful Mrs Potts, possibly the most loveable character in the story. They both delivered their own versions of her which worked excellently. Holly perhaps delivering a more nurturing nature and softer tone whilst Lacey had more cheek and spark. Both versions were excellent, and it was also nice how they both delivered the iconic song, Beauty and The Beast in their own manner and style too. Holly perhaps more traditional giving real power and a stunning vibrato to the number whilst I loved Lacey’s cutting off some of the lines with punch really adding to an excellent story telling in the number. Combined with the excellent dance routine and Belle and Beast growing friendship in front of us, this whole number delivered on emotion as well as quality. Must have been something wrong with the aircon as my eyes got a little bit weepy at one point! 

Now Beauty and the Beast would not be complete with an idiotic candlestick and grumpy clock and HC delivered on both counts.

The Friday saw Louise Lelson (Lumiere) and Amelia Hooper (Cogsworth) paired up and they worked so well together. Amelia really delivering that bossy head of the house role, trying desperately to keep everyone in check. Her lines were concise and sharp and had a real bite in them especially when aimed at Lumiere with Louise flouncing around the stage with true French flair and grace. Both got a great chance to show off their strong voices in Human again and Be Our Guest. 

The Saturday had Amber Evans (Lumiere) and Alicia Thompson (Cogsworth) as the comedy double act. Amber’s outrageous French accent clashed brilliantly with the calmness and control excellently delivered By Alicia who really shone in one of her biggest roles to date. Amber’s stage presence really shone through in Be Our Guest as she controlled the audience and the number, even a little candle mishap could not throw this actress out of character.

Now away from the Castle we have our Town Hunk and his sidekick desperate to marry Belle and later bring down the Beast and again it was great to see both duos bring their own style and charm to the roles. 

As Gaston, Libby Forsyth on the Friday had such excellent stage presence. She was utterly believable with the cocky swagger, over the top arrogance and had the most amazing chemistry with her Lefou, Poppy Walker who for me was the standout performer on the night. The physical comedy between the pair was sensational with Poppy’s energy levels through the roof. Her bounce and movement were excellent with line delivery and timing absolute perfection not only in the script but also her song, Gaston where she also showed off a lovely tone to her voice. 

Also excelling in these brilliant roles were Jacob Robinson (Gaston) and Seth Cohen (Lefou) on the Saturday evening. Their own interpretations also working so well. Jacob really focussing on smarmy smiles, cheeky winks and Mr Universe poses making him perfectly grotesque and perfect for the role. Seth, an experienced dancer, had real style and movement to his Lefou. The grace and purpose from each movement was excellent and he was definitely a feisty and cheeky character throughout. I lost track of how many splits, somersaults and twist he delivered whilst still maintaining a lovely vocal in Gaston. 

Now obviously the show would not be complete with our Beauty and our Beast. The Friday production saw Avea Calvert as Beast and Leanna Honeyman as Belle. The connection between them was excellent, from the power struggle early on to the warmth shown as they connect. Avea had a tricky role to play, with a female voice trying to convey the anger and ferocity of the Beast is tricky yet she managed it without ever feeling the need to scream or screech. I loved her reactions to getting nursed by Belle and the comedy routine in “Something There” was excellent with messy plate eating and chair mishaps timed perfectly. Leanna is continuing to show what a versatile talent she has, and it was nice for me to see her in a straight role this time. Her control in the opening number Belle was excellent and she managed to portray the quiet Village Girl whilst adding a lovely sprinkle of Leanna Sass and wit. Every number again showing off not only her vocal control and range but some real power too.

The Saturday saw George Richardson really excel as the Beast, the best role I have seen him in to date. His control of anger blended well with his much softer side, and we saw beautiful chemistry between him and Faith Small as Belle. Faith truly is a Disney Princess, her mannerisms and grace excelled, the vocals were beautiful with a naturally operatic tone perfect for the song Home. Her connections, not only with Beast, but also all the other Household characters was lovely to watch, and she was utterly believable from start to finish with lovely characterisation of a character she has been longing to play. 

Thankfully for me when writing this there is no comparison needed between the performers because they all brought something special to each character. They had all studied their characters bringing their own strengths and charm to the show and it worked for all of them. 

It was not just the acting that was lovely, the vocals were strong throughout too. From beautiful harmonies in Human Again and Home (Tag) to rousing chorus numbers everyone on stage delivered. Well done Robert for some excellent work yet again. Once you have a good solid vocal base the creativity can shine, and Holly (assisted By Anna) painted some beautiful pictures on stage. The characters came to life, the dance routines had impact when needed and passion and emotion when called upon and everything glided along like a waltzing Belle and Beast. 

Everything came together fantastically leading to a rousing Finale and well-deserved rapturous rounds of applause from a packed audience. Thank you again to the whole team and I cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeves with Newsies in the Summer 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.