It’s a tale as old as time and Melburnians can finally experience the utterly magical Beauty and the Beast musical. After captivating audiences in Brisbane and Sydney, this production is now playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. The show will stay in town until Sunday November 24.
Beauty and the Beast Musical
This spellbinding production is based on the 1991 animated film of the same name. The original musical played for over 13 years on Broadway, and is still to this day one of the top 10 longest running shows in Broadway history. It has also brought the magic around the world, touring 37 countries.
The show has come to Melbourne fresh from its record-breaking season in Brisbane, where it was the highest selling season of any show at QPAC in a decade. Over half a million Australians in Sydney and Brisbane have already seen this enchanting musical.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, it follows the tale of a young woman named Belle, and an unkind prince who is transformed into a fearsome Beast. In order to be free from the spell, he must learn to love another, and earn their love in return before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls. Will Belle fall in love with the Beast before time runs out?
“This beloved show — and Belle herself — are somehow as contemporary today as when the film premiered in 1991, even more meaningful to those who first discovered them decades ago and to new generations,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “Each time we’ve returned to Australia over the last quarter century we see audiences grow larger and more appreciative and the deep pool of extraordinary home-grown musical theatre talent grow even deeper.”
This Beauty and the Beast musical has been brought to life by the producers of The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Frozen. Members from the original creative team have returned, with Oliver Award nominee Matt West at the helm, directing and choreographing. Listen to all of your favourite songs from composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice. The show also includes book writer Linda Woolverton, scenic designer Stan Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward and lighting designer Natasha Katz. Together, this team received five Tony nominations, and a win for costume design, when Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 28 years ago.
Review
You hear a lot about the magic of Disney, and when you watch this musical, you truly understand what that means. The performers are top-notch, the sets and costumes are dazzling, and the music sweeps you away. From the romantic title song, to the show-stopping Be Our Guest, everything about this show will fill you with a sense of joy and wonder.
Shubshri Kandiah as Belle is a wonderful lead, showcasing the kindness, intelligence and inner strength of the protagonist with ease. Meanwhile, Brendan Xavier’s Beast is fearsome, yet also sympathetic and vulnerable. Jackson Head plays the villain Gaston, an intimidating task, given that this was famously played by Hugh Jackman in 1995. And yet, he did a tremendous job, particularly shining in comedic moments like the out-of-touch proposal song, Me, and the ego-boosting song Gaston. Nick Cox was a great support as Le Fou. The entire cast of enchanted castle objects make an excellent team, with Rohan Browne as the charming Lumiere, Gareth Jacobs as the hilariously stuffy Cogsworth and Jayde Westaby as the kindly Mrs Potts. The young boy playing Chip is a definite crowd-pleaser, drawing many delighted ‘Awwss!’ from the audience.
If you were ever wondering why an animated movie needed a Broadway adaptation, look no further than the impressive performance of Be Our Guest. Just when you think it can’t top itself any further, it does. Think tap-dancing numbers, creative floor work sequences, fun cutlery costumes and much, much more. Also of note is the tavern song, Gaston, which includes some cool rhythmic glass clinking and is just overall a good, fun time.
Also of note is the stage magic tricks. In the blink of an eye, you’ll see a handsome prince transform into a beast, an impossible talking teacup and much more. From start to finish, you’ll feel a sense of childlike joy at this musical.
Disney invites you to ‘Be Our Guest’ and find your tickets now