With a two-time success record in the box-office (during its premiere in 1991 and a wide 3D re-release in 2012), a slew of Academy Award nominations and wins, several direct-to-video follow-ups, multiple re-runs in cable channel, and billions worth of sales from merchandise, it’s hard to find a person who hasn’t the slightest idea of about the story of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. If such is the case, why should we bother shelling out at least Php 2,222 for the Manila run of the original Broadway adaptation of the same old story? We already know that a selfish prince transforms into a beast after being cursed by an enchantress. We’ve been told about the series of unfortunate events that lead Belle, a beautiful and headstrong bibliophile into the prince’s castle. We all hate Gaston and many of us can sing at least the first three lines of Lumiere’s Be Our Guest number. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Original Broadway Musical in Manila tells the same tale as old as time– one that’s ever just the same. With no element of surprise, at least story-wise, how come it was still able to rouse the entire CCP Main Theatre into a standing ovation during its first run?
Belle and her Papa Maurice
Gaston sets his eyes on Belle
Gaston, praising himself
As part of the audience who cheered and jeered at the first day’s curtain call, I’d say it’s mostly because of great casting and on-point acting. The touring group casts the brunette and doe-eyed Hilary Maibeger as the smart and adventurous Belle. Sure, it helped her a lot that she looks so much like the animated version of the story’s heroine. But what’s striking is how the 28-year-old soprano sounds just like the original Belle, Paige O’Hara, whose voice is sweet and pristine enough to qualify as a Disney princess, but has an old-soul quality to it that distinguishes Belle from the rest. Also notable in his performance is Adam Dietlein, whose stance, stomps, shrugs, and powerhouse voice altogether recreated the insufferably conceited Gaston. He’s got a great, albeit violent, chemistry with Jordan Aragon who plays his side-kick, fumbling and tumbling Lefou. Hip-swinging Hassan Nazari-Robati brought to life the suave, debonair candelabra Lumiere. It’s a delight every time he’s on stage, replacing t’s vid z’s. His sexual innuendo though was a bit more pronounced compared to from what I can remember from the GP-rated film. It’s not enough a reason though for kids to skip this. Emily Matthenson as Mrs. Potts warmed up the stage in her sweet rendition of theme song Beauty and the Beast. The always earnest boy, who plays Chip, was lauded in the end despite how little and limited his role was. The actors who played Maurice, Cogsworth, Babette (Fifi the Feather Duster), and Madame de la Grande Bouche (a nameless wardrobe in the movie) were good in their expanded parts.
"With a dreamy, far-off look, and her nose stuck in a book"
Among all the characters, Beast, played by Darick Pead, was the most deviant from the original characterization in the film. His comical scenes, particularly those in which he wails in high pitch, was quite unsettling, especially for those who distinctly remember the roaring, brooding Beast from the Disney movie. Wondering if this was just Pead’s take on the role, I did a quick search online and found that it’s actually not. The other actors, who played Beast before him, also had their silly moments in the exact same scenes. Apparently, the more humanistic and sensitive Beast was a directive of Rob Roth. So I’d give it to Pead, for being in faithful in giving a “refreshing” take on the role.
Gaston and Lefou
Yes, most of the cast members nailed their characters and the ornate costumes helped them bring to life their 2D counterparts. But I think Stanley Meyer’s story book-inspired scenic design was largely instrumental in providing the illusion that our beloved characters leaped off the pages to entertain us. The set was constantly moving—flipping and sweeping every transition ala pop-up book. Almost everything’s on wheels and fully-functional; it never really takes more than three seconds of stage black-out to change from one scene to another. The trickery employed all throughout the musical was minimal but impactful. The attack of the wolves and the Battle on the Tower were clever to use puppets, shadows, and lighting to subdue the violence. The defining moment of the show has got to be Beast’s transformation, whereby some stage magic, he levitates and propels until he returns to his princely physique. This engrossing scene alone is a worthy reason why you should watch the stage version of the story.
As is with the movie, music is the best thing about Beauty and the Beast musical. The only thing better than watching the animated characters dance to the tune of Alan Menken’s Academy Award-winning musical score is watching the live cast sing and dance as you hear the orchestra playing the music. Because of this and Matt West’s refreshing choreography, the stage version of film favorites, Gaston and Be Our Guest, are notches better than the animated sequence. Gaston’s synchronized dance number punctuated by clanking beer steins was the first showstopper of the night. Not long after, the grandiose Be Our Guests followed through, with plates, forks, and spoons dancing ala Vegas showgirls.
Clocking in at almost three hours, the musical is at least 30 minutes longer than the 1991 feature film. Those extra minutes were mostly awarded to Belle and the Beast, who each got extra solo numbers, Home and If I Can’t Love Her— a pair of moving but rather needless attempts at character development. Even so, Maibeger and Pead were both dutiful in each song.
Beauty and the Beast is Disney's first successful Broadway musical. Sure, it’s formulaic. And yes, it doesn’t really add much value to the original context. It is a tale as old as time and it’s ever just the same. But who cares? This is the first time Manila is getting the official Broadway version and who knows when would be the next chance for us to see it? Beauty and the Beast Musical is magical, nostalgic, and heart-warming. If you’re looking for wholesome family entertainment, be their guest.
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Presented by Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc., NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group, MKFAE and Ovation Production, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will run until January 25, 2015 at the Main Theater (Nicanor Abelardo Hall) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Ticket Prices:
Price Zone 1 – P8,337.12
Price Zone 2 – P7,228.32
Price Zone 3 – P6,114.24
Price Zone 4 – P5,005.44
Price Zone 5 – P4,445.76
Price Zone 6 – P3,336.96
Price Zone 7 – P2,222.88
