” Beauty and the Beast”

[rating=5]When The Paramount Theatre announced their schedule for this year, and I saw “Beauty and the Beast”, I was ready. They have proven, production after production that the magic is in Aurora and knowing their history, I was sure this would be as top-notch as the touring company ( or better). Once again, this theater has exceeded my expectations taking this Disney classic to a new level. With its solid cast of players, under the solid direction and choreography of Amber Mak, “Beauty and the Beast” is a sure award winner for this year.

While one must cast a solid Belle ( they have done just that with Beth Stafford Laird) and a powerful Beast” ( Paul-Jordan Jansen is sheer perfection), it is the other players that appear to be hand-picked to bring this cartoon to life on the stage in Aurora. Belle’s father, Maurice is handled with great love by Ron E. Rains and the members of the household who have been made a part of the spell that has created the “Beast” are the incredible George Keating as Cogsworth, Becca McCoy as Madame de la Grande, Jackson Evans as Lumiere, Katherine Lee Bourne as Babette, Jennie Sophia as Mrs Potts ( and the story narrator) and Aaliyah Montana and Izzie Rose alternating as chip. These are the house staff that has been affected with their master by the witch’s spell. For those who do not know they story. The witch needed aid and was rejected by the young prince. A spell was cast on him that he would remain a beast until he found someone to love him. He had a time limit though. A rose had to remain alive until that day.

Belle, a reader of books in a small village where reading is of little import, is treated as an “outsider”. Her father an inventor is also thought to be crazy. Gaston ( a powerful Emmett O’Hanlon, who truly looks the part) is very into Belle as the woman he will marry. Belle has said no over and over again. He and his sidekick LeFou ( the zany Nick Druzbanski) plan their attack on the old man so Gaston will win Belle’s hand.

The basic story is that Maurice gets lost in the forest and is captured by the Beast. Belle trades herself for her father’s safety and while in the castle finds that beauty is more than what we see, it is what is inside us.

The ensemble is powerful and the musical numbers are breathtaking. The choreography of the Gaston number with the clinking tankards is perfectly timed and mindboggling. The title song as done by  Ms Sophia is beautiful and caused a tear to form in my eye. Other numbers that are worth the price of the ticket are “Be Our Guest” where every possible object joins in the dinner scene and the opening “Belle”. This production is only as powerful as its ensemble and this one is extraordinary.

The running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes including the intermission with the first act being a bit longer. I would think that for the little ones, seeing the Disney cartoon first might make it less scary. You be the judge.

“Beauty and the Beast” will continue thru  January 19th with performances as follows:

Price: $36-$77

Show Type: Childrens

Box Office: 630-896-6666

www.Paramountaurora.com

Running Time: 2hrs, 40mins; one intermission

The theater is located at 23 East Galena Street in Downtown Aurora, easy to get to and they offer valet parking at $11

The whole city of Aurora is decorated for this wonderful production and I would call this a MUST SEE

to see what others are saying, visit http://www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Beauty and the Beast”.

NOTE” the staff were all wearing a pin. These were roses that are supplied by Peg who seems to do this for every show. One of the house managers, Jenna made sure that I had one as well. A wonderful memory of a wonderful experience that I will share every time I see the petals. Thanks you!