Live Review: Beauty And The Beast The Musical Is Pure Magic
For the first time in Adelaide, the Disney production invites you to Be Our Guest.
Beauty and the Beast (Supplied)
It is hard not to feel like a wide-eyed child when seeing Beauty and the Beast: The Musical live.
The story is one that we all grew up with - whether in the format of the original French fairytale, the critically revered Jean Cocteau-helmed film adaption, or the iconic 1991 Disney movie-musical, the first animated film ever to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Most people can hum the chorus of ‘Be Our Guest’ and most people know that Gaston is especially good at expectorating.
In 1994, Beauty and the Beast became the first Disney film adapted into a Broadway musical, and it is no wonder - the story lends itself to grand theatrics. And the timeless original songs (penned by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, who tragically died from AIDS-related complications before the film was even released) are magical to witness live.
And now, for the first time, Beauty and the Beast: The Musical has come to Adelaide’s Festival Theatre - and it is definitely a production to behold. The set pieces are spectacular and dynamic, transforming the stage from scene to scene and leaving the audience wondering, How did that happen??? The costumes are dazzling, especially during the more robust dance numbers; the skirts were truly twirling with reckless abandon during the various dance portions of the invigorating rendition of ‘Be Our Guest.’ And a resounding gasp was emitted by the audience when Belle, played with rigorous charm by Shubshri Kandiah, graces the stage in her iconic marigold-yellow ball gown.
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The cast is incredibly accomplished, all matching each other’s energy and skill. Kandiah is the consummate princess. Brendan Xavier toes the line between sympathetic and ghastly in his portrayal of the beast. Rohan Browne as Lumiere and Gareth Jacobs as Cogsworth have pitch-perfect chemistry. But it is Jackson Head who steals the show as the deliciously villainous, laughably vain, and incredibly thick-necked Gaston.
The musical’s opening night on Friday, May 10th was an undeniable success. The cast received a standing ovation from the audience - several little girls dressed as Belle appeared to be especially delighted. It seems that Beauty and the Beast is a classic for a reason.
Beauty and the Beast: The Musical will remain in Adelaide at the Festival Theatre until July 6th, before relocating to Perth, and then to Singapore. Tickets for the unmissable production can be purchased online.
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