GLOBE THEATRE GETS IT RIGHT
Beauty and the Beast a joy to behold
This week marked the opening of the Globe Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast. Here are the keys words to understanding the charm of this production. Warning: this musical may be based on the popular Disney film of the same name, but it has an endearing charm that can win over the most cynical. MAGIC
Of course, the story of Beauty and the Beast is a fairy tale infused with spells and romance. But audiences will again also be spellbound by the supernatural way the Globe can take a tiny piece of floor space and turn it into another world. Whether it’s a “provincial town,” a dark forest or an enchanted castle, the alternate reality seems authentic. In this production, the story is particularly portrayed through the imaginative and high-quality costuming. One does not want to give away too much of how this is accomplished, but the way costume designer Alexandra Lord turns a live woman into a walking teapot is inspired. She also preserves the traditional feel of Belle’s iconic yellow gown while giving it a fresh twist. RETURN ENGAGEMENT
The “Belle” of this production is Regina-raised Jacqueline Burtney. Her first time in a Globe audience was for a 1993-94-season presentation of this same story. (The Disney musical version was also presented in 2004.) Whatever musical theatre fire was lit in her Saskatchewan youth is still ablaze. It has driven her to success in her Toronto-based career, and in this performance. Poised and bold, she infuses her version of Belle with the sass we all want our daughters to see and take to heart. POWER BALLADS
Wolfcop’s Emersen Ziffle transforms Toronto’s David Michael Moote in the Beast using clever makeup and costuming. Moote’s voice, however, is the most memorable part of his performance, as he taps into the strength he also uses with his classical/heavy metal band Operus. The Beast’s power is tied to this mighty vocal performance. ANIMATED
It must be daunting to bring roles to life that were so clearly defined by Disney animators. This cast, however, succeeds in creating characters that are finely drawn rather than cartoonish. They illicit true emotion and tension — even though every person in the audience knows how the story turns out. The entertainingly egotistical villain Gaston (Alex Kelly), Belle’s eccentric father (Scott Hurst) and Mrs. Potts (Marianne Woods) are standouts in a strong, versatile cast. Ryan Brown deserves special mention for stealing scene after scene as Lumiere, the candelabra-come-to-life and romantic adviser to the Beast. KID STUFF
The crowd was filled with many smiling, laughing little faces — some decked out in Belle’s signature yellow dress. Cast and crew have spoken about their early experiences with this musical, and the impression it had on them in their formative years. As many children as possible should have the same opportunity to fall in love with theatre by seeing this production of Beauty and the Beast. EXTENDED
Audiences already can’t get enough of this “tale as old as time.” The run has been expanded to June 30. For tickets and more information, visit globetheatrelive.com.