By Mariah Bailey and Mark Bailey
Syracuse City Arts Council’s production of Beauty and the Beast in Syracuse, UT is a great family show with lots of fun for all. Beauty and the Beast premiered in 1991 as an animated musical film for the Walt Disney Company. As one of first animated pictures to win an Academy Award, the stage musical was adapted from the film and premiered on Broadway on April 18, 1994, starring Susan Egan as Belle and Terrence Mann as the Beast. Beauty and the Beast was adapted from the classic French fairy tale written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in the middle 1700’s.
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, the production became the tenth longest running musical on Broadway. With a mix of familiar classic Disney songs and some new additions to the stage musical you will surely be transported to the magical world of Beauty and the Beast. The story follows the classic tale about a young girl, Belle, and a selfish prince, Beast, needing to learn compassion and value for others. Set in a small town in the middle of the French countryside right at the heart of the eighteenth century where magic, superstition and stigmas can shape the future.
This is community theatre at its best, being inclusive and innovative. Syracuse City Council member, David Maughan, welcomes everyone to the performance while highlighting the many community run events the arts council has to offer. The Arts Council provides support for a full Symphony Orchestra, Choir, Summer Musical, Fall Children’s Musical, and a newly formed Jazz Band. The Syracuse Arts Council strives to focus on inclusiveness, inviting those from outside the city limits to participate in any of these programs. This showing of Beauty and the Beast is the tenth annual summer musical produced by Syracuse City Arts Council.
Director LeAnna Hamblin has masterfully put this cast of 100 people together. While including several families, local high school and junior high school theater departments, it sure has brought this community closer this summer. While the outside temperature may be in the 90’s or even 100’s, you might want to bring a jacket or blanket to the cooled down theater at the Syracuse High School auditorium. A highlight of this production is the large musical numbers. The movement on stage is never wasted and given high priority by choreographers Heather Ganus, Alison Ormsby, Hailey Pantle, and Greg Brignone. The fight scenes are nicely done as well. The children in the large group numbers are completely adorable and had my daughter and me wanting to squeeze them in congratulatory hugs. Elinor Blankenship is a brilliant music director. My favorite song which incorporates all of the above has to be “Gaston.” The whole cast works synergistically in music, dance, acting, and draws the audience to a high that keeps you going through the whole show.
Mallory Thomas is a very fitting Belle with her petite figure, long brown hair, and her ability to pull at your heart strings with her mix/belt voice and acting. One wouldn’t think a voice so large could come from a young woman who looks so delicate. But she definitely proves you wrong. Tyler O’Bagy’s large and clear voice gives a wonderful and scary image of our Beast character. Upon his first introduction, I felt afraid of this frightening character, which was accentuated by the 30-piece live orchestra directed by Timothy Koster. Brignone, who is also the ballroom/fight choreographer, plays the role of the self-centered and arrogant Gaston. His presence and voice onstage are completely apt for the role. I love how he and Bryson Wanner (Lefou) play off of each other in their slapstick relationship. Wanner, age 16, had me laughing and crying with his witty and timely movements and voice onstage. Another dynamic duo is Jake Swensen (Cogsworth) and Jordan Martineau (Lumiere). Their delightful comical stage presence is another highlight of the show. Their clever intro at the beginning of the show could have been mistaken by coming straight from Disney with their accents and back and forth banter.
Mrs. Potts, played by Chatana Krebs, is very proper and plays the mother of the enchanted castle well. Her cute little teacup Chip, Ty Swensen, is so loveable with his costume and innocent voice. Phillip Burnett (Maurice) is convincing as an old father caring for his daughter. Their duet has tight harmonies and sounds lovely together. Monsieur D’Arque is a woman in this show played by Dixie Hartvigsen. She indeed is a dark character that anyone would want to avoid. Camille Rich is our flirtatious Babette. Although modest in her costume, she comes across as playful and coy with Lumiere. Madame De La Grande Bouche, played by Annie Oldham, has a very lovely classical voice and stage presence. The Silly Girls are so, well, silly and melodramatic. Kudos to Rebecca Petersen, Savannah Ropp, and Carly Wasserlein who had me all googly-eyed at Gaston as well.
Congratulations to Lexie Ostler and committee for the fantastic costumes for all the characters. They are colorful and everything you could imagine that this show would have. One of the iconic pieces of this show is Belle’s dress. It is beautiful and swings just like a bell in the ballroom scene. Great work to set designer Jennifer Rowbury, cast, and crew who put in so much time constructing and painting the set. I especially like their use of the wings onstage.
I highly recommend seeing SCAC’s Beauty and the Beast tonight or next week before it disappears. Recommended for everyone ages 1 to 92 or older. This will make a fantastic family night. Remember to visit the concessions table at intermission and see what’s available at the Silent Auction and enjoy watching Beauty and the Beast.
Syracuse City Arts Council presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Syracuse High School 665 S 2000 W, Syracuse, UT 84075
July 12-13, 15, 18-20, 2019 7:30 PM Thu-Sat and Mon, Sat matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $5-11
Contact: info@syracuseutaharts.org or call 801-510-5347 with any questions
Syracuse City Arts Council Website
Syracuse City Arts Council Facebook Page
Beauty and the Beast Facebook Event
All Photo Credits: Sheila Worley
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