By Becky Evans
After a long break, theatre fans are flocking to Irvin, UT as Beauty and the Beast performs to sold out crowds at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. My sister, my young daughters, and I were awestruck as we walked up the waterfall path to the beautiful theatre surrounded by red rock cliffs. The beauty and majesty of the setting is unforgettable and totally worth a long drive if you don’t live in southern Utah.
Note: this reviewer believes that most if not all readers are familiar with this popular show developed from the Disney movie. If not, please access this summary from IMDb.
Beauty and the Beast is a show that is very commonly performed by schools and community theatres alike. Tuacahn’s performance is the most professional I’ve seen, including pyrotechnics, ariel fliers, and my daughter’s favorite, animals onstage. Originally a fairytale, Disney’s movie from 1991 was a staple of my childhood. In 1994, it opened on Broadway with the addition of a few songs that are some of my favorites. Beauty and the Beast is the story of a young woman who doesn’t quite fit in because she loves books and seeking knowledge more than romance. She also learns to face her fears while looking beyond the beast’s terrifying façade to love the man within.
The show begins after sunset. Ours started at 8:45 PM, which lends itself to a late night, especially for littles but that didn’t stop many young people from coming out donned in their yellow ball gowns and tiaras. One young girl on the row in front of us laughed hysterically at all the jokes and squealed with joy each time an animal came out or the troupe surprised us with some beautiful magic. This girl made my heart happy as I understood there is a little child inside each of us and theatre has this power to transport us and totally immerse us in a story.
From the first note, we could tell we were in for a treat with a live (although unseen) orchestra. Bryson Baumgartel’s musical direction is spot on, and the music leads each scene with the emotional intensity it needed.
Director Michael Heitzman truly worked magic with the cast, bringing out the best of both the show itself and the cast members’ unique talents. I particularly enjoyed the choreography by Robbie Roy. The dances are not only a spectacular fit for the songs, but are very unique, innovative, and aerobic. In particular, the song “Gaston” led by Todd Dubail (Gaston) and Elliot Peterson (Lefou) is spectacular and nearly stole the show. The whole ensemble works together in harmony and energy that carries away all who watch them.
Overall, the actors are amazing. Belle, played by the wonderful Crystal Kellog is an absolute hit with the audience. She brings a sincerity to her role as Belle that instantly endears her to the audience, coupled with phenomenal vocals and effortless dance skills. The Beast is played by Nathaniel Hackmann, who adds humor to a sometimes overly angsty character. His song “If I Can’t Love Her” brings all the feels and leaves audiences rooting for him as they disperse for intermission.
Two of the biggest stars of the show, though, are Phillip Taratula (Cogsworth) and Benjamin Howe (Lumiere). Their duo brings a unique humor to the show as they banter and show their devotion to their master, the Beast.
Other notable cast members include Terra C. Macleod (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Bryan Dobson (Maurice), Alexandra Melrose (Mrs. Potts), Mallory King (Babette), Hudson Sullivan (understudy for Chip), and Michael Scott Harris (Monsieur D’Arque). These amazing performers share phenomenal vocals, truly fun acting, and only serve to heighten an already wonderful show. I particularly wanted to comment King for her awesome French accent as Babette.
The costuming (Ryan Moller) is stunning. I loved the dresses Belle wore (they were so large and extravagant, I wonder how heavy they might be?), and the costumes for all of the leads are just perfect, he colors vibrant and fun. The scenic design (Adam Koch) deserves special mention. Tuacahn alters currently with Beauty and the Beast one night and Annie the next. I wondered how that would work and if they would just keep the set simple. Koch brought a combination of moving pieces, visual projections, and lighting (Cory Pattak) to effortlessly flow from Belle’s hometown to the Beast’s castle inside and out. The lighting and special effects are well placed and add to the magic and enjoyment of the performance. A particular favorite moment of mine was while Belle and Beast were dancing under a backdrop of stars, small lights lit up the rocks blending into the stars above until we were totally blanketed in magical starlight.
Overall, the setting is simply perfect for this musical. The Tuacahn is a very large theater, and as such, is able to appropriately tackle this enormous show. The seating is stadium-style, so there’s not a bad seat in the house. They rent cushions for the seats, which I recommend. There’s a huge gift shop, places to take pictures, snacks, and a show-themed dinner that you could enjoy.
The night we attended was an extra special night. Tuacahn’s angel, Rebecca Savage Smith, wife of the CEO, who has sat on the front row of every single show for the last 25 years, passed away and was honored with a special tribute and fireworks display. It was emotionally moving and a reminder to all that theatre takes a village and creates a family with each production.
I would absolutely recommend Beauty and the Beast to anyone whether it’s their first or fiftieth time seeing this Disney classic. I am in awe of the talent, professionalism, and sheer pleasure of seeing this production.
Beauty and the Beast promotional video one
Beauty and the Beast promotional video two
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Beauty and The Beast, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, produced by Kevin M. Smith.
Tuacahn Amphitheater 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738.
Beauty and the Beast runs select evenings until October 23, 2021.
Tickets: $32-$113
Contact: 800-746-9882
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Tuacahn is offering a variety of shows that alternate shows. See them all!
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