By Kristen Weyer.
A “tale as old as time” has arrived at The Gateway Playhouse, and this fabulous production is an absolute must-see! When you first enter the theater and see that glistening, golden, rose-carved arch, to when the lights dim and those beloved notes float out from the orchestra, you know you’re in for something special. Seriously, I know the holiday season is crazy, but just GO! You will not be disappointed. The stage version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has everything you know and love from the original film and more. No really, it does have more! Come for all your favorite characters and songs, leave loving a few more! If you’re like me you’ll wish they actually were in the movie version. (Dare I say it? I think I enjoy the stage production even more than the original!)
The plot needs no explanation or summary. You know where it’s going, you know what you want to happen, and you’ll get it…happily ever after. You could hardly ask for a better feeling than the one you’ll have leaving the theater after this production. It’s a magical evening and just in time for Christmas.
This review will be way too long if I give all the details I want to, plus I don’t want to spoil the surprise of the magic. However, suffice it to say that everything came together to turn this show into near perfection. The set? Incredible. The costumes? Stunning. The cast? Flawless.
From charming cottages, through creepy woods, to a forgotten, enchanted castle, this set is magnificent. They make the most use out of limited space the entire time, and the brilliant rotating castle set is very impressive. Intelligent and effective video projections also go a long way in enhancing the differing settings. Designer Kelly Tighe did a wonderful job. A show like this relies heavily on lighting effects and designer Jose Santiago does not disappoint, it was superb.
Costumes. Oh the costumes! How to do them justice? Let’s put it this way…the gold dress received its own round of applause upon appearance. Yes, yes it did. Oh, and I’m still not sure where the legs of Marty Timlin as Chip were; who, by the way, is incredibly adorable and does a fabulous job!
The fact that they got so many perfect castings into one production is almost inconceivable. Emily Behny is everything you could wish for in Belle. She is sweet, charming, gorgeous and has a lovely crystal clear voice. Loren Christopher IS the Beast. He is intimidating and gruff, yet charming, sweet, and funny; and his voice is perfection! He sounds so exactly like what you want to hear you could believe he was Robby Benson (voice of Beast from original animated film).
Robert Anthony Jones as Cogsworth and Jonathan Hadley as Lumiere are both sublime in their portrayals, with flawless characterization and impeccable timing. Teri Hansen is wonderful as Mrs. Potts, and Steve Brady is excellent as the charming Maurice.
Even though Gaston is the “bad guy”, you will not be able to help wanting to see more of him. JoeHager so superbly portrays this character you’ll just love to hate him. From his spot-on tonality, to his insolent swagger, his characterization is sheer perfection. Supporting his idol’s every move of course is LeFou, marvelously played by Courter Simmons to hilarious effect.
Beauty and the Beast is a magical and wonderful production that should not be missed. One quick heads-up for parents, this show is not recommended for the under 5 crowd, those wolves were creepier than expected and there’s plenty of roaring from Beast, which could be a little too scary. For everyone else from 5 to 105 this show is the perfect addition to your holiday festivities.
Running time: Approximately 3 hours, including intermission.
Advisory: A little scary for under 5 years old.
Kids 5-16 are half-price!
Beauty and the Beast is playing at The Gateway Playhouse at The Patchogue Theater until December 30th. The theater is located at 71 E. Main St.,Patchogue, NY. For tickets call the box office at (631) 286-1133 or click here.