The premiere of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical in Brisbane at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre was a breathtakingly enchanting experience, captivating the audience with its timeless tale and earning numerous standing ovations on opening night. The venue’s beautiful setting added to the magical atmosphere, making it a night to remember.
The production seamlessly blended magic and nostalgia, particularly resonating with those who grew up during Disney’s Golden Age of animated feature films in the 90s renaissance era. For many misty-eyed millennials, witnessing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ live on stage was the magic Brisbane had been waiting for.
The casting of the musical was impeccable, featuring a mix of seasoned and young performers who brought the iconic characters to life with charisma and authenticity. The musical score, conducted by Luke Hunter, skillfully transported the audience back to the enchantment of the original fantasy film, incorporating all the beloved musical hits and more.
Shubshri Kandiah delivered a captivating performance as Disney Princess Belle, embodying the character’s intelligence and love for her family. Her portrayal showcased a refreshing normalcy, exemplified by her character’s use of glasses, emphasizing imperfection and relatability. Shubshri’s stunning voice resonated throughout the theater, particularly during Belle’s legendary ‘I want’ song, ‘Belle,’ where she expressed her longing for adventure.
Brendan Xavier’s portrayal of the Beast was nuanced and touching. The initial terror of his character was complemented by brilliant prosthetic facial features and detailed horns and tail. Brendan successfully conveyed the Beast’s insecurities and impatience, creating a sweet and endearing dynamic with Shubshri’s Belle. Their on-stage chemistry was palpable, especially during key moments like when she was teaching him how to read properly and the iconic dance number ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
The household staff, comprising Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts exhibited an unyielding dynamic and engaged in brilliant banter that the audience thoroughly enjoyed. Throughout their collaborative efforts in the scene work, they diligently worked together to orchestrate Belle and the Beast’s budding romance, all to break the curse looming over the enchanted castle, especially in the number, ‘Something there.’
Rohan Browne vibrantly embodied the character of Lumiere, enchanting the audience with an incredible magical prop. The transformation of both his arms into candlesticks, emitting real fire from each one, was a visually stunning and mesmerising spectacle. Browne’s portrayal skillfully blended charm and theatrical magic, with his brilliant French accent proving to be intoxicating. This added a unique and enchanting quality to Lumiere’s character, making him a captivating presence on stage. The amalgamation of Browne’s charismatic performance and the visually striking magical element contributed seamlessly to the overall enchantment of the production.
Jackson Head embraced the sleazy and humorous nature of Gaston with finesse. His performance was characterised by a comedic charm as he attempted to woo Belle and secure her hand in marriage, all while exuding a self-assured but unintentionally funny demeanour. Head’s portrayal of Gaston captured the essence of the character’s arrogance and comedic elements, providing entertaining moments throughout the show.
Gareth Jacobs portrayed Cogsworth, the leader of the house, with a sensible yet lively demeanour. As Cogsworth underwent the transformation into a grandfather clock, Jacobs brought a perfect balance of authority and humour to the character. His performance showcased the character’s leadership qualities while infusing moments of fun and levity, adding depth to the overall dynamic of the cast.
Jayde Westaby’s portrayal of Mrs. Potts was marked by a delightful British charm. A standout feature of her performance was the real steam exiting her arm as she transformed into a teapot. This attention to detail and incorporation of practical effects enhanced the magical atmosphere of the production. Westaby captured the nurturing and motherly essence of Mrs. Potts, creating a heartwarming connection with the audience.
James Mitchell portrayed Chip, Mrs. Potts’ son, with an incredible illusion that added a touch of wonder to the character. The audience could only see Mitchell’s head in the teacup, creating a visually striking and magical moment. Mitchell’s performance as Chip brought a sense of sweet innocence and charm to the stage.
Nick Cox personified the endearing comedic charm of Le Fou, Gaston’s often overlooked but loyal right-hand man. Cox’s portrayal infused the production with a delightful sense of lightheartedness, generating moments of pure joy and laughter, especially in the performance of the song ‘Gaston.’ His on-stage chemistry with Jackson Head, who played Gaston, formed a dynamic and entertaining duo that struck a chord with the audience, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall theatrical experience.
Rodney Dobson delivered a poignant performance as the inventor Maurice, Belle’s father. His portrayal captured the protective and caring nature of the character, providing a strong emotional anchor to the storyline. Dobson’s whimsical oddball presence on stage contributed to the depth of the relationships portrayed in the musical, creating a heartfelt connection with the audience.
Hayley Martin embodied the character of Babette, the enticing featherduster, with flair and finesse. With her French accent down to a tee, Martin brought an authentic charm to the role. Her graceful and beautiful dance movements added elegance to the character, showcasing her ability to captivate the audience through both acting and dance. As Babette, Martin portrayed the comedic aspect of trying to win Lumiere’s affections, creating moments of laughter and endearment. With legs for days, her stage presence was both visually striking and artistically captivating.
Alana Tranter portrayed Madame, the dresser, with a delightful mix of excitement and humour. Tranter captured the character’s tendency to express enthusiasm through joyful screams. Despite her intentions to offer well-meaning advice, Madame comically ended up revealing the truth of her intentions, particularly her eagerness to hasten the process of Belle and Beast’s love. Tranter’s comedic timing and animated expressions added a whimsical touch to the character, creating moments of laughter and levity.
The ensemble, consisting of Tanika Anderson, Richard Astbury, Sarah Bourke, Cameron Boxall, William Brougham, Ginny Cashmere, Emily Corkeron, Phoebe Coupe, Amba Fewster, Anthony Garcia, Luke Haberecht, Amy Hopwood, Brady Kitchingham, Chloe Malek, Rubin Matters, Ryan Ophel, Anthony Sheppard, Thalia Smith, Luke Ward, and Grace Williams, proved to be undeniably fabulous, talented, camp, and delightful to behold. The dance numbers, such as ‘Gaston’ in the tavern, received rapturous applause, and ‘Be Our Guest’ was a highly anticipated song in the show, featuring an incredible tap section and giant cutlery that prompted an unexpected standing ovation in the middle of act one at the end of the number.
Another notable moment was during the song, ‘Human again’, as the furniture are reminiscing back to the time that they were human and what they would do now if they had the chance. The song was complemented by the beautiful ensemble dancing out the scenes in their mind so effortlessly. It was a wonderful use of memory, shadowing, and colour blocking.
The production’s enchanting atmosphere was further enhanced by the Disney pixie dust of extraordinary illusions and advanced magic, keeping the audience on their toes. Mesmerising sets, props, and projections adorned the stage, particularly notable in the grand staircases and stunning library scenes, providing a visual feast for the audience.
Beauty and The Beast The Musical in Brisbane is a must-see. Beyond the treacherously hopeful tale of discovering inner beauty, it offers inspiration to the young and young at heart. The unparalleled Disney production value, combined with the exceptional cast, crew, and creatives, ensures an unforgettable night filled with magic. Be our guest and book your tickets to experience this beautiful story in Brisbane.
TICKETS
Now playing at Lyric Theatre, QPAC
All images supplied.
The Fame Reporter 