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| Adam Guinn and Rebecca Bryce photo by Wade Moran |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 23
"Based on the beloved 1991 Disney animated film, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, the stage adaptation of Beauty and the Beast beautifully re-creates many of the movie's magical, showstopping and heartwarming moments. Zao Theatre's production has excellent leads, a huge ensemble that add a big dose of energy to the many large musical numbers, smart creative elements, and sharp direction that derives as much humor as heart from this classic fairy tale....Zao's cast has three stellar leads who add nuance to flesh out the two-dimensional cartoon characters they are playing. Rebecca Bryce is perfect as Belle. We see from her firm grasp on the part how Belle is fearless and smart with an abundance of determination. Bryce has a wonderful connection to all of the actors in the cast, which adds to the sense of care that Belle has with those around her, and Bryce's singing voice excels on her many songs. ...Adam Guinn is equally as good as the Beast, letting us clearly understand how someone who feels he can't be loved due to the way he looks can snarl and swipe at someone who is trying to help him. ...His act one closer, "If I Can't Love Her," is sensational. Zac Bushman is excellent as Gaston, the self-centered man who only truly cares for himself. Bushman even adds a few fun solo moments to the big production number "Gaston" that show off his strong, bright and clear vocal abilities....Director Mickey Bryce ensures his cast all deliver portrayals that are close enough to their film counterparts while also including a few original touches that add a nice sense of realism to the piece...Mike Sanders' set design is gorgeous and reminiscent of something you might see in Disneyland, with one side of the stage representing some highly detailed buildings in the town and the other side an impressive section of the Beast's gothic castle....beautifully delivers the important message of the film: that beauty is really found within.... -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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