Man and woman meet. Man and woman fall in love. Man and woman live happily ever after. What could be more classic than that kind of love story? Well, according to a famous singing teapot, there’s a tale that’s as old as time that takes a bit more to get two people to fall in love. In Drury Lane’s most recent production of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, we’re treated to the love story of an unlikely duo.
Drury Lane Brings a Happily Ever After
The perfect feel good musical for the holiday season, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST brings the classic Disney tale to life. Cast under a spell, a prince is destined to be a beast for the rest of his life unless he can learn to love and for someone to love him back. Enter Belle. When her father is locked up for trespassing in the castle, she offers to take his place instead.
Perhaps she could be the person to break the spell over the Beast and the rest of his servants slowly transforming into inanimate objects. Will Belle run away from this life as a prisoner in the castle? Or will she stay long enough to find love in this unexpected place?
Engaging Cast
The engaging cast goes a long way to making this musical a RECOMMENDED top play pick. The principal cast is full of firecracker energy - from Paul Michael Thompson playing up the physical comedy as Lefou, to Nick Cosgrove as the perpetually tightly wound Cogsworth. And with Brandon Contreras and Erica Stephan at the helm as Beast and Belle, there’s sparks flying as they both ricochet off each other with fiesty energy. Not to mention the ensemble working seamlessly in the background as villagers and other castle servants with just as much energy to pull the show to its maximum potential.
Though the story may be one we’re all familiar with, this cast builds suspense and tension so much so we question if Belle will actually break the spell. Not to mention they’re aided by a gigantic, larger than life rose framing the entire stage. As each petal goes dark, it’s an in your face reminder that time is quickly running out.
Set and Costumes Take Center Stage
Though the rose is a beautiful and unexpected addition to the set and story, the set has its ups and downs - quite literally as the entirety of the set is made of stairs. They make for dramatic moments when the cast needs to climb high above stage and the rotating stage provided an extra flair to signify moving between places. The cast makes the most of the space, but it may be distracting for others as it was for this writer when it feels like they’re continuously moving when there’s nowhere to go.
On the plus side, the sparse set leaves room for the costumes designed by Ryan Park to shine. These are extraordinary to behold, particularly on the castle folk. Each costume was made with a variety of fabrics and details from the candlesticks on Lumiere’s shoulders to the dresses adorning Madame de la Grande Bouche. And of course, it wouldn’t be BEAUTY AND THE BEAST without the iconic yellow dress making its grand entrance.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a classic tale as ever. This show might not be the best fit for those who aren’t fans of Disney as it is Disney through and through. Otherwise BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a good pick for anyone looking for a family-friendly, feel good night out at the theatre.
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Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read — Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
CAST:
Brandon Contreras (Beast), Erica Stephan (Belle),
Mark Banik (Gaston), Sophie Ackerman (Chip),
Graham Carlson (Chip, at certain performances), Tony
Carter (Lumiere), Nick Cosgrove (Cogsworth), Mark
David Kaplan (Maurice), Catherine Smitko (Madame
de la Grande Bouche), Bri Sudia (Mrs. Potts), Allison
Sill (Babette), and Paul Michael Thomson (Lefou). The
ensemble includes Jeremiah Alsop, Anthony Avino,
Greg Blackmon, Isaiah Silvia-Chandley, Liz Conway,
Shantel Cribbs, Timothy P. Foszcz, Samuel Gardner,
Maya Kitayama, Ivory Leonard IV, Omar Madden,
Courtney Martin, Conner Wayne Milam, Zach Porter,
Emma Rosenthal, Billy Rude, Monica Thomas, and
Shanna VanDerwerker.
CREATIVE:
Kevin Depinet (Scenic Design), Ryan Park (Costume
Design), Ryan O’Gara (Lighting Design), Ray Nardelli
(Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design),
Claire Moores (Wig & Hair Design), and Amber Wuttke
(Makeup Design)
When:
Now through January 27, 2019
Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Where:
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Tickets:
$60-$75
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Drury Lane box office at 630.530.0111 or online through the Drury Lane website.
Photos Brett Beiner
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
