BY KYLE PETTY
CM Performing Arts Center is currently producing “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” from November 2nd to November 21st with a talented cast, new and old to the theater. The story centers around Belle and the Beast, who meet under unique circumstances. We learn early on that The Beast (played by Aaron Mor) is a former prince living in a castle in the woods where one night, a young woman came looking for shelter in exchange for a rose. He turns her down based on her appearance and she tells him that he should not judge people based on the way they look and that true beauty lies within, but he rejects her again. Almost instantly, she turns into a beautiful enchantress and turns the prince into a beast while also transforming his servants into household objects. She gives him the rose and tells him that the only way to reverse the curse is to fall in love with another person and have them love you back before the last petal falls.
The story truly begins when we meet Belle, played affectionately by Laura Laureano who flawlessly leads the first number in Act 1 “Belle” with the rest of the company. (Early shout-out to Music Director Matthew W. Surico, who always makes sure that harmonies are *heard* in each company number!) There’s no way you aren’t amped about the show simply based on this song. It was so much fun! Needless to say, you’re in for a treat anytime Laureano hits the stage but the company sounded strong and beautiful as well. In this number we also get our first look at Gaston (played by Zak Ketcham) and his energetic sidekick-of-sorts LeFou (played by Patrick Campbell).
Ketcham’s Gaston hits all the right notes.
Pun not intended, but enjoyed.
Ketcham sounded great and nailed the comedy. Even though Gaston is a little too cocky for most people’s taste…Ketcham found a way to make him charismatic as well. I found myself laughing out loud from his facial expressions alone! Campbell was magnetic as well – from the physical humor he brings to the energy he puts into each scene – I can’t wait to see more of him on stage.
Returning back to the story, however…Gaston expresses his interest in Belle (much to the chagrin of the other ladies in town) and he proposes to her, to which she declines. Belle’s father Maurice (played rather endearingly by Kevin Todd) gets lost in the woods and is subsequently captured by the Beast. It is here that we start to meet some of the household objects. Keith Jones plays a candelabra named Lumiere and their over-the-top portrayal of this character will have you laughing the entire time! Jones positively lights up the stage and you will leave the theater with your cheeks hurting from smiling so much. Brian Frank returns to the CM stage as Cogsworth – the former head of staff who is slowly turning into an old wooden clock. Frank helps drive a lot of the comedy as well, working nicely side-by-side with Jones.
Since we are talking about the objects, let’s get into them all! Camilla Montoya is back as well, playing a feather duster named Babette with an eye for Lumiere. The chemistry between them is *also* very fun and enjoyable. These two provide more than a few laughs! Lacey Cornell plays the wardrobe, Madame de la Grande Bouche, who hits her high notes with perfection. Rounding out the objects is Mrs. Potts, played by CM veteran Sarah Klaum who also sings the title song in Act 2. Amazing, wonderful, and perfect casting. Her voice is perfect for the music she sings and has a warm, maternal spirit that you can’t help but be endeared towards. Every scene with Chip (split between Pepper Coleman, Sadie Mathers, and Giuliana Patnaude) is heart-warming and genuine.
Fun Fact: Sarah Klaum was on a recent episode of The Kyle Petty Show discussing her experience in this show and so many other things…check it out here!
Anyhoo, back to the story! Belle notices that her father is missing, heads out to the woods in search of him, and lets herself into the castle. All of the objects are super excited because they see her arrival as a potential end to their situation. Belle discovers her father in the castle dungeon and pleads with the Beast to allow her to switch places with him so he can go free. The Beast obliges and Belle is moved to her own room, being allowed to move around most of the castle without issue. Lumiere and the rest of the objects work to coach the Beast on how to be kind to her in the hopes that a relationship can form and love will be found to break the curse.
One of my favorite moments of the entire show was here in Act 1 with the full company number “Be Our Guest.” Anyone who knows the show or the movie knows that this is a stand-out and this production is no exception. This is the longest number in the show and you *still* don’t want it to end. Choreographer Melissa Rapejle does it again! Everyone looked amazing – things were perfectly coordinated and the number sounded great. This was everything you’d hope for! We love full company numbers and they absolutely delivered.
On the off chance that you don’t know how this story turns out, I will stop with major plot points here – however Act 1’s closing number, “If I Can’t Love Her” – was a bonafide standout. Mor’s vocal training was on full display as he delivered this number with confidence and skill. No wonder Belle falls for him!
The other number that I was waiting anxiously for was Belle’s “A Change In Me.” See…I’m a *huge* Toni Braxton fan and while I was not fortunate enough to see her play Belle on Broadway, I am aware of the backstory with this song as it was added to the show specifically for her. After seeing Laureano in countless performances over the years, I was excited to see her take a crack at this song and she knocked it out of the park! I so appreciate her approach to this role – oftentimes you see Belle played as a naive little girl, but I don’t think that’s really who she is. She is strong, as she rebuffed Gaston and rejected his advances. She is courageous, as she volunteered to be held hostage in place of her father. She is smart, as we can infer from her love of books and reading. Why *wouldn’t* she sing strongly and passionately? Laureano quite literally nails all of this and it’s amazing to witness.
So much so that I returned to the theater the very next day with my mother in tow to experience it all again!
Kudos as well to Alyse Nicole Arpino, who serves as Director for this production. Seeing the chemistry between each player on stage was no doubt largely to her credit. Scenic Designer John Mazzarella created some of the most beautiful scenes as well – there are some moments in the castle during Act 2 that will absolutely take your breath away. CM knows how to use their massive stage well! There are so many things to look at and the set design brings you right into their world and the Costume Design by Ronald R. Green III puts the perfect bow on top.
Needless to say, this is another production at CM Performing Arts Center that you don’t want to miss. I would say that you should get your tickets as soon as possible, as tickets have been selling so quickly that the run has already been extended – making their closing performance Thursday, November 21st. Tickets are extremely limited! You can purchase in advance via their website at www.cmpac.com or by calling the box office…or, if you like taking risks you can attempt to purchase at the door – but no matter how you do it, get there!
Cast:
Beast – Aaron Mor
Belle – Laura Laureano
Gaston – Zak Ketcham
LeFou – Patrick Campbell
Maurice – Kevin Todd
Lumiere – Keith Jones
Cogsworth – Brian Frank
Madame de la Grande Bouche – Lacey Cornell
Mrs. Potts – Sarah Klaum
Chip – Pepper Coleman, Sadie Mathers, Giuliana Patnaude
Babette – Camilla Montoya
Les Filles De La Ville – Steffy Jolin, Rebecca Martowski, Sarah Minto
Ensemble – Jayden Imani Brown, Leah Cyran, Eddie D’Atri, Erica Nicole Elliot+, Ruben Fernandez+, Thomas J. Gallagher, Alyssa Kelly, Will Logan, Melina Piervencenti, Michele Segal, Patrick Silk, Julia Villani
+ = Dance Captains
Creative Team:
Director – Alyse Nicole Arpino
Music Director – Matthew W. Surico
Choreographer – Melissa Rapejle
Production Stage Manager – Juliana Jagielo
Rehearsal Stage Manager – Anthony Arpino
Scenic Designer – John Mazzarella
Costume/Wig Designer – Ronald R. Green III
Sound Designer – Evan Lettieri
Lighting Designer – Olivia Buonsante
LINK TO REVIEW: https://www.thekylepettyshow.com/reviews/batbcmpac
