Disney’s Beauty And The Beast (2011) – What’s On Stage

The triumph of the show belongs to BOST alone.  It was a delight to hear a traditional thatre band – much larger than most that accompany modern musicals now… and it is clear that the staging is anything but amateur.    As  Belle; Laura Coard brings much needed cheekiness to the beauty and Gareth Casey Morris as the beast is terrifying and vulnerable.  The Gaston and Le Fou double act is delightful, especially in the expertly choreographed tavern scene.  But the magic is truly felt in the castle and the enchanted servants that inhabit it.  Lumiere and Cogsworth, the candlestick and clock, give the audience another hilarious double act but special praise goes to Meryl Langford as the opera singer turned wardrobe, who got the biggest laugh of the night.  Be Our Guest is outstanding with the always in-tune ensemble also taking a starring role.  The finale is as good as many professional productions you could care to name.