Broadway by The Bay always is a grand surprise. When Artistic
Director Brooke Knight leads a production there is always a
creative feeling that goes further than just the production.
Broadway by The Bay always is a grand surprise. When Artistic Director Brooke Knight leads a production there is always a creative feeling that goes further than just the production.
There always seems to be a part of her presence that makes the audience a part of the show as it unfolds. That is a true gift.
Beauty and the Beast is a delightful presentation and is currently Broadway’s longest-running American musical. It will end its record-breaking run the same day that Broadway By The Bay’s production closes.
Everyone knows the engaging tale in which Belle finds herself in an enchanted castle where the beasts and all the inhabitants are trapped in an animated state because of a witch’s cruel curse that only Belle can break.
And as in all fairy tales, everyone lives happily ever after. But getting there is delightful fun.
The multi-Tony Award winning production recreates all the characters from the movie – from Lumier the living candlestick, the clock, teapot, chest of drawers and the delightful rug.
Wrapped up in Berle Davis’s creative choreography this fast-moving production with special effects that will keep adults and kids in awe.
A talented cast with Jeremy Stolle as the obnoxious Gaston, Noel Anthony as the Beast and Kimberly Jensen as the spunky Belle carry the performance with their strong, fine voices.
The impressive 26-piece orchestra under the capable baton of Musical Director Rick Reynolds brings in a tight crisp version of this beloved story.
Alan Menken’s music and Howard Ashman, (who died during the making of the production) and Tim Rice’s lyrics ran away with Academy Awards for the movie and Tony’s for the Broadway version with “Be Our Guest,” “Beauty and The Beast” and “Something There.”
The real heroes of this production are the technical people back stage. Technical Director Dave LeBlanc impressively gets his crew to move a lumbering enchanted castle on a delicate track in and out of scenes with smooth (and I am sure nervous) ease.
Michael Ramsaur’s lighting and Bill Carrico’s sound are well done, Jeanna Hurd’s make up and Sue Howell’s costumes are Broadway caliber. Kevin Low is the impressive house manager that is the glue that holds the front of the house together.
Broadway By The Bay’s production of “Beauty And The Beast” is the best theater value you will find anywhere, and it’s less than an hour away without traffic and parking hassles. For a charming afternoon or evening, go and be enchanted.
