A
production by the Miranda Musical Society
When:
19th to 23rd of September
Where:
Sutherland Entertainment Centre
Reviewed
by Lana Hilton
Men
– take your lovely ladies out to dinner and then to a magical performance of
Beauty And The Beast, presented by the Miranda Music Society. Trust me when I
say that it will earn you brownie points.
Nothing
beats a passionate orchestra playing the award-winning score from the original
film that rekindles your love for Disney and romance; except maybe the talented
cast and crew. Beauty And The Beast was brought to life and brought tears to my
ears just like when I was a child.
The
music, the costumes, the sets – fantastic!
Belle,
played by Natasha Horberigs, allows you to dream with her and feel with her,
through her sweet, strong voice that carries you all the way to the tiny French
town the story is set in. She perfects the innocent, thoughtful character of
Belle right down to the tone of her voice.
Other
than the elaborate and creative set design that allows you to follow the
characters on their journey from the town, to the woods, to the Beasts’ castle;
the stand-out moments all had one character in common – Gaston.
Played
by Lachlan O’Brien, Gaston stole the stage with his arrogance, humour and great
booming voice. Lachlan was 100% committed to the role and it was easy to see he
was thoroughly enjoying it. There were a few extra songs thrown in that you
won’t remember from the film and one of them – “Me” – performed by Gaston had
the audience in stitches. Never have I loved such a dislikeable character!
47
cast members is a lot of people to be in the one production let alone part of
the one scene and “Be Our Guest” highlighted the talents of all 47 members.
Boys, girls, adults, children, ballet dancers, tap dancers, chorus girls,
singers and actors all took to the stage the perform the most lively and
celebrated scene in the musical. It was such a delight to see that many people
of all ages and sizes cohesively entertaining an audience and never missing a
beat.
I
could mention a lot of other great actors – Lumiere and Cogsworth had great
chemistry throughout their Abbott and Costello moments, and Andrew Symes who
played the Beast had such a deep vibrato I could feel it in my bones – but I would
be rambling on forever.
Go
and live a cherished childhood favourite live on stage. Fun for all the family!
