By Amy Baird
The Ogden-based theatre group, the Ziegfeld Theatre, performed a delightful stage adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. It was refreshing to attend a wholesome, family-oriented play at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Park City.
The story begins in a small French town where most of the young girls can only dream of marrying the dashing, arrogant and handsome Gaston. Belle, a charming, well-read, and beautiful-but humble-daughter of a single father is Gaston’s obsession. Her father is mocked for his inventive pursuits. Belle is independent, head strong and shuns Gaston’s self-serving advances. Belle hopes for a life that extends beyond the boundaries of their little village.
Nearby lived a similarly arrogant, self-centered Prince in a beautiful castle. Legend had it that he denied shelter to a poor beggar woman who was actually a beautiful enchantress. As punishment for his cold-hearted refusal, the enchantress cast a spell upon him that turned him into a monstrous Beast. All his servants were relegated to live as semi-inanimate objects. The spell could only be broken if the Beast learned to love and be loved in return.
Belle’s father accidently stumbled upon the Castle, encountering the Beast-who had only become more monstrous and angry with the passage of time. After the Beast took her father captive in his dungeon, Belle rescues her father by exchanging herself in his place as the Beast’s prisoner. In time, and with the encouragement and support of his servants in the shape of housewares (dishes, clock, etc.), the Beast transitions into a gentleman and Belle (“Beauty”) gradually begins feeling something admirable and desirable within him, looking beyond his ugly appearance. This magical story reminds us not to look on outward appearances in determining the value of an individual. In the process, Beauty is likewise transformed into deeper, more accepting, and understanding woman.
Beauty and the Beast was the 10th longest performance on Broadway and hugely popular. Disney’s popular 1991 animated version was recently remade and co-produced by Disney into a non-animated adaptation starring Emma Watson.
The Ziegfeld cast is very compelling-drawing from local talent. The unity of the cast came through in their acting. They were able to draw the audience in.
Belle, surprisingly played by 16-year-old Aria Critchley is graceful, showing off her dancing ability and admirable vocal talent. The Beast, Bryant Clair Larsen, plays the part very well. His “beastly” mannerisms, stance, and transition into a polite gentleman are highly convincing. Gaston is characterized by Daniel Pack- the perfect specimen to represent Gaston’s buff, masculine features. Lefou (Samuel Holdaway), Gaston’s personal sidekick who exists only to serve Gaston’s every need fits the part quite well, and was very humorous and entertaining. The Castle’s servants are excellent and deserve particular praise for their musical, dance, and acting abilities. Of special note is Lumiere (Aaron Gordon), who is the life of the show. He plays the character better than any actor I’ve ever seen, including the screen actors. Cogsworth (Austin Payne) is also superb. Mrs. Potts (Ashley Mordwinow) has a superb voice, along with her son, Chip (played by Isaac Allred and Nicolas Horrocks.) Madame de la Grande Bouche (Jennifer Chadwick) has an amazing operatic tone with very impressive vocal dynamics.
The choreography was well-adapted for the size of the Cast and stage. Particularly excellent was the “Tavern” scene with Gaston, “Be Our Guest”, “Something There”, and “Beauty and the Beast.” The Magic Carpets were excellent! The acrobatics they performed were a surprising treat! Magic Carpets/ Enchanted Objects were Angel Martinez (Fork), Mejai Perry (Knife), and Devin Turner (Spoon). They also tripled as Townspeople and were fantastic dancers and actors.
Who can resist the charm of Disney’s lyrics and tunes? Music Director Jamie Lynn Balaich had excellent performers to work with in Gaston, Madame de la Grande Bouche, Mrs. Potts, and Lumiere had outstanding voices. For a 16-year-old, Aria Critchley was also very impressive but at times inconsistent in her volume. The Beast, Bryant Clair Larsen, did not sing as often and it must have been difficult with his mask/heavy head of hair, but when he did hit it spot on! Gaston presented a very humorous “Me”.
Costumes by Dee Tua’ One were excellent and well-designed. The “Napkins” and Belle’s dresses were notably gorgeous. Lumiere’s candlestick hands were a superior extension of his personality!
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The Egyptian Theatre is a well-known historical Park City fixture and quite beautiful, though the stage and size of the theatre was a bit too small for the actors, though Director Morgan Parry made very good use of the space. The seats and temperature were comfortable. It was easy to find. The staff were friendly and accommodating. It has a nice small town atmosphere.
My 21-year-old daughter and I attended Park City’s Beauty and the Beast together. We laughed through much of it. She is a former music major and had a far more critical ear than I do. She noted the loudness of the music in relation to the relative smallness of the 300+ seat theatre. I think to the untrained ear such as mine, I was more drawn in by the magic of the story or personality of the acting that I overlooked such things.
Overall, we both felt this was worth attending. The only drawback might be the Park City prices. We noticed tickets were less when Ziegfeld presented it on their Ogden Stage. However, it was refreshing to see wholesome, family entertainment presented on the Park City stage. The audience consisted of many families with small children. The wolves coming up and down the aisles may have been a bit too intense for the youngest child, but I noticed many children in the audience who were probably thrilled to see the animated and non-animated version live onstage. It was a very enjoyable evening and we would recommend and encourage more family entertainment to come to Park City.
Ziegfeld Theatre group is presenting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Egyptian Theatre 328 Main Street in Park City UT 84060.
Started Thursday, May 25th and runs through Sunday, June 4th. Showtimes vary at 6:00 PM or 7:30 PM, with ticket prices from $15 for youth up to $40 for adults in premium seating. (NOTE: $5.00 more 30 minutes prior to show)
Call: 435-649-9371, For information, visit http://www.park#435-cityshows.com.
Easy to find on historic old Main Street, Park City. Free 6-hour covered parking @ China Bridge Parking Garage (behind theatre.) Paid parking on Main St.
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