Beauty and the Beast The Broadway Musical

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Director Gabrielle Tyler and spoke to her and others during the interval and after the performance. There was a cast of circa 30 young people aged from 6-24 and there was plenty of action to keep every one busy on stage.

Video to screen backdrops were well chosen and set the scenes well. The brilliant set designed and built by Royston Wilson ranged from a village scene to the castle, forest, cottage and a tavern. Scene changes were efficient and speedy. Lighting was atmospheric and complementary and sound levels were just right. The major sound effect was a gigantic roar from the Beast! Costumes were amazing, mostly purchased this time and sourced by Cheryl French. There was good use of wigs and some superb makeup especially on the Beast and Lumiere.

Singing was to backing tracks and this young cast had been very well rehearsed as there was no hesitation here. Most of the cast projected well and could be heard clearly. So many great songs, all well sung, with my personal favourites being Me, Be Our Guest and If I Can’t Love Her. Choreography was well balanced and sharp with varied routines and movement around the stage was slick. Casting was excellent with some very talented young people on stage.

Tom Hume-Steer, who won the District Award for Best Youth Performer in 2024, gave a terrific performance as the Beast /Prince. He showed great stage presence and delivered his solos expertly and with feeling. Becca Edwards played Belle a fiercely independent character who was obsessed with books and was delighted with the library at the castle. She was the perfect foil to the Beast and enchanting in her solos. I loved the role of Gaston, well played by Austin Wainford. He was rude, arrogant and strode around with a huge air of entitlement. Good vocals from Austin. He was aided by his sidekick Lefou, played by Nicky Sexton, as a rather bumbling character. The one older actor in the production was Bob Sangwell who played Belle’s rather vague father Maurice, an inventor. Bob also helped with cast character development.

Giovanni Alldred was a star as Cogsworth, the clock. He was nominally ‘in charge’ of the castle characters and was excitable and officious in his duties. He had some grand facial expressions eg when he found a key attached to his costume! Well done. The castle characters were unique and so well acted out. The costumes and props were all outstanding. Zac Higgleton, as Lumiere the candelabra was charming and perhaps obsequious. Ruby Cowley was Mrs Potts, the teapot, a warm and motherly figure with Dottie Barton as Chip, the cheeky teacup. Babette, a flirtatious maid, was playfully acted by Queenie Hamilton whilst Felicity Ransley was an imperious Madame De La Grand Bouche ie the wardrobe! Merrick Ball had a niche role as the creepy and evil owner of the local mental hospital where Maurice was detained.

In addition there were 4 Gaston’s Girls, silly and giggling all the time and also the 4 wolves and the ensemble.

This was a stunning performance throughout and cast and crew can be very proud. In particular I congratulate Gabrielle Tyler, Director, Choreographer and Musical Director for her creativity and vision and for showcasing the talents of Bright Stars.

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