Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
We teach our children to apologize when they wrong someone. We teach them to forgive others when they've wronged us. We teach them to accept others for who they are, what they look like and how they walk and talk. We also teach them to stand up for themselves when someone continues to hurt them and to look out for themselves and the ones they love. In some cases, it's not necessary that we "teach" a lot of this, as we soon learn that much of it is already exists within their natural instincts-- give or take a little. So, we refine; we harness the moment; we use discipline and guardrails to navigate their choices and behaviors. Beauty and the Beast is top-full of application to the lessons we strive so hard to teach our children! Yes, we've heard criticisms that suggest that "Stockholm Syndrome" is at place in the story, but, we learn very early on in the story that Belle can leave whenever she wants! She proves it within the story. But, she chooses to stay. She makes the choice, because she sees something in the Beast that nobody else in her town sees. She sees his pain. She sees his trauma. And, she seeks to learn why he is the way he is. He needs nurturing, healing, and a chance to start over. He needs redemption! Which leads me to another concept that we teach our children: We all deserve a second chance. For the Beast, Belle is the perfect person to do this!
The Musical begins with a young version of The Young Prince and The Enchantress (played by Dallas Theatre Journal's Access Artist Sofi Warren,) who grace the stage with their presence in a beautiful ballet number with narration laying out the details of the spell that was cast upon The Beast (Joshua Sherman) and his household. Sherman artfully balances the mental and physical demands of playing The Beast very well, providing us with the complexity of his character, who is traumatized, but tender. He is one who appears to be meanspirited and monstrous upon first impressions, but is delicate and wounded in reality. Following this, we are transported to a small French town, where we meet the beloved Belle (Delaney Gebhart) and the townspeople, who've determined that Belle may be beautiful, but she and her father, Maurice (Jordan Tomenga) are a bit odd. As Belle, Gebhart hits the mark, exhibiting the character's intelligent, witty and charming demeanor. Likewise, Tomenga's Maurice is quirky and fun, often bringing a good laugh to the audience. Kyle Holt brings a boisterous and delightfully obnoxious Gaston, (aka Belle's suitor.) Kyle Holt masterfully commands the stage through his strong characterization, physical demeanor and powerful vocals!
Within The Beast's household, we meet the servants, who are a major highlight of the show! Dakota James as Lumiere and Eric Gebhart as Cogsworth are a dynamic duo, who couldn't be more different. James as Lumiere is fantastically flirtatious, especially with the spunky and adorable Babette (Jennie Jermaine,) while Gebhart's Cogsworth is tough-minded and comically "tightly wound." Kristina Bain's Madame de la Grande Bouche is loveably hilarious, especially when she jostles her floofy hair, not to mention, her operatic vocals are sensational! Dear Mrs. Potts (Ladonna Gaut) and Chip (Luke Hoyt) are a precious mother/son duo. Gaut also boasts amazing vocals!
Director/Co-Producer Jessica Holt (also named Dallas Theatre Journal's Pro-Focus Artist for November 2023) and Co-Producer Kristi Tomenga have assembled a fantastic cast of actors, dancers, and musicians who bring this story to light! Sound Design by Dallas Theatre Journal's Access Artist Branson White is well crafted and Lighting Design by Derek Cheung is nicely styled with alluring motifs and patterns.
I have good news and bad news. The good news (GREAT news!!) is that you have a chance to see The Hopeful Theatre Project perform this amazing tale this very weekend! The bad news (sad news) is that it's ONLY this weekend! You can still see the show at 7:30pm on Saturday and 3:00pm on Sunday. A large 75% of the The Hopeful Theatre Project's proceeds for this production will go to Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and Dallas, so make every effort to be there! Tickets can be purchased here, at only $20 per person, and for an additional $75, you can also enjoy Tea Time with Belle on Sunday from 12pm-1:30pm, prior to the matinee, even if you've already seen a previous performance this weekend. Beauty and The Beast is staged at the beautiful Kalita Humphreys Theatre in Dallas.
Y'all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
Running Time: 2 hours and 45 min with a 30 minute intermission. Intermission includes a drawing for the next Hopeful production!
Accessible Seating: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Saturday, March 9 at 3:00pm
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Loud at Times. Some ensemble numbers are difficult to hear
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Flashing lights, fog machines used
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