REVIEW: TUTS’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ offers heartfelt production for holiday season
As the orchestra begins to play the opening notes of the prologue, the lights dim to darkness and the audience’s chatter ceases. After 25 years and international success, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” returns to Houston, the city where the production made its 1993 debut.
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) brought back the iconic musical to celebrate TUTS’ 50th season. From young to young at heart, the family-friendly tale of loving beyond one’s appearance and learning to change brings the audience laughs, gasps and ultimately to their feet.
Casting standouts
Starring Delphi Borich as Belle and Michael Burrell as Beast, the TUTS production brings forth an immensely talented ensemble cast reflecting diversity and inclusivity. The color-blind casting stands out in a way where one notices the inclusiveness, yet does not presume stunt casting was involved.
Borich’s portrayal of Belle showcases vulnerability, sass and determination. While “Beauty and the Beast” is a story of love between the title characters, one could see Borich’s Belle as journeying towards learning to love herself enough to remain true to her convictions.
Other standouts included James Patterson as Lumiere, Prince Waldman as Cogsworth, Keith Hines as Gaston and Nasia Thomas as Babette. Collectively, the actors excel at comedic timing. Even though some moments are over-the-top, it still feels right for this particular production. Additionally, seemingly improvised moments such as Patterson “flossing” and Hines’ exaggerated sultry swagger towards Belle somewhat breaks the fourth wall without taking away from the respective scenes.
Carla Woods as Mrs. Potts and Brennan Quarles Emeka as Chip bring heart to the show, as one feels hopeful a mother will see her son be a child again. From Woods’ singing of the iconic “Beauty and the Beast” to Emeka’s running across the stage at the end of Act Two, one cannot help but feel nostalgic and heartfelt satisfaction.
Musical numbers
TUTS’ “Beauty and the Beast” offers longtime fans the familiar musical numbers such as “Belle,” “Gaston,” and “Be Our Guest.” Beyond this, those new to the theatrical production of the musical are introduced to songs such as “Home” and “A Change In Me,” which allows Borich to fully showcase her vocal prowess.
The performance of “Gaston” gives Hines and Barrett Riggins (Lefou) the chance to shine, while also distracting one from the realization that the two actors portray the story’s villains. Not to mention, Hines’ Gaston sets the bar for the egocentric misogynist and typical dumb jock tropes.
In the 1991 and 2017 film adaptations of “Beauty and the Beast,” the most extravagant number is “Be Our Guest.” One might question whether this same vibe can be captured on a theatre stage. It can. Despite the limitations of stage space, the musical number starts out tame and by the end has the audience tripling the amount of applause given after each performance.
Perhaps the most disappointing number was the classic ballroom scene featuring the song “Beauty and the Beast.” The scene feels rushed and not fleshed out to completion. Thus, preventing the audience from appreciating Woods’ rendition of the production’s staple song. The dinner table sequence relies much on physical movement to tell the story, yet depending on where one is positioned in the audience, it comes across as awkward rather than endearing.
Costumes and the set design
Without question, Belle’s ball gown causes the most audible reaction from the audience as Borich gracefully walks on stage. The gown is one of most memorable from the TUTS production along with Babette’s shimmering gown and Gaston’s outfit that calls attention to Hines’ biceps.
Lefou’s outfit includes a beanie that resembles that of an elf, causing the character to seem out of place. Additionally, Burrell’s Beast comes across more like the Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz,” in that the costume seems cute and cuddly, rather than helping with the character’s initial intimidation tactics.
The sets were well designed and limited enough to not seem overcrowded. Belle’s cottage is beautiful and the backdrop, plus lighting, helps bring a warm vibe to the scenes. Furthermore, the “Be Our Guest” musical number saw an ambitious scene be brought to life by simply adding gold foil curtains.
Tale as memorable as time
Fans of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will not be disappointed by TUTS’ production of the musical. While there is room for improvement, the show as a whole offers something heartfelt and charming to indulge the holiday season.
The production runs through Dec. 23 at The Hobby Center. For more information on how to purchase tickets, head to www.tuts.com.
Also published on Medium.
