"Beauty and the Beast" at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            "Beauty and the Beast" currently at Theatre by the Sea is musical extravaganza, a treat for eyes and ears, sheer delight for all ages. This spectacular production is marked by stunning sets, glorious costumes and propelled by an extremely talented and flashy cast. The choreography is stand out too, vibrant, daring and dazzling.

           

The story is well known, a musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton. Adapted from Walt Disney Pictures' Academy Award-winning 1991 animated musical film of the same name – which in turn had been based on the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. "Beauty and the Beast" tells the story of a cold-hearted prince who has been magically transformed into an unsightly creature as punishment for his selfish ways. To revert into his true human form, the Beast must first earn the love of a bright, beautiful young woman whom he has imprisoned in his enchanted castle before it is too late.

            This show is sheer delight, a real spectacular event that you see. The small stage nearly burst with the rampant spectacle that ensues. Director Bob Richard shows a sure and certain hand, that is always totally in control and riveting. The two hours and 40 minutes seems to soar with one delight after another. Diane Laurenson, who happens to be the director's wife does the choreography and is so rich and phenomenal in all its aspects. It is all faithful to the film as much as you can be onstage.

            Lauren Weinberg is Belle, the beauty in this tale. She has a vivacious stage presence that sparkles throughout. Her voice is a sheer delightful and has many opportunities to shine which she does. Her duet with Gaston, "Me" is a delight as is her reprise of "Belle" and with "A Change in Me."

            Phillip Bryan is just as wdonerful as the lumbering, nasty prince transformed into a beast. His voice is rich and robust a vivid baritone that haunts and lingers in the mind. He shines with  "How Long Must This Go On" and wondrous and magical fog filled "If I Can't Love Her" which is simply splendid.

            Of course there is more vivid support coming from the bully with braggadocio, Gaston played to  perfection by Wayne Hu. He captures the smug. self satisfied  pomp of the character with flair and energy. This opera singer has a big voice and stage presence particularly as he uses his diminutive sidekick, Lefou played with flair and finesse by the talented Josh Walker.

            The castle has it share of delights too with Lumiere, played by Josh Houghton with poise and skill and terrific comic timing. Or Mrs. Potts played by Ellen Peterson with presence and robust energy. Jeffrey Johnson is winning as Cogsworth, complete with the pendulum in his chest and his comic flamboyance. Belle's father, the eccentric Maurice, seems a little less developed by Thom Warren.

            There are other fine touches throughout, like Reid Taylor as Chip and the ensemble which is a delight with their dancing and singing.

            The orchestra led by led by Jesse Warkentin, was terrific, playing with impeccable energy and finesse. The sets and scenic design by Kyle Dixon is phenomenal, rich in its complexity and varied riches. The same can be said of the costumes by Miguel Angel Huidor and special touches with wigs by Michael Dates and prestehtics designs for the beast by Dena Oliveiri.

            This is a treat from beginning to end no mater your age. See it! You won't regret it.        “Beauty and the Beast” runs through Aug. 12 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck. Tickets are $46-$72. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit theatrebythesea.com.

"The Music Man" at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

         

   "The Music Man" is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey and is currently playing at Theatre by the Sea in a spirited, energetic and fun production. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to the naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her.

            This was a winner from the start, with its talented cast shining and the supporting cast adding robust glimmer and pizzazz to it all. While still an element of its era, this show shines thanks to the terrific cast.

            Jason Ostrowski is the slick con man, Henry Hill, who still has a heart beneath his cons and slick exterior. He has a definite presence and that is full of style and class. His rich baritone is silken and resonant, the perfect musical foil for the uptight librarian, Marian (Tiffan Borelli). Hill is the epitome of a con man, smooth talk and superficial style. But this con man has something more underneath, an emotional Achilles hell and Marian will find it. His presence is powerful and intriguing for Marian and the audience. He sings "Trouble" with convincing style and gusto. His duet with Borelli on the bridge is sheer delight in "Til There Was You."

         

   Tiffan Borelli is a delight as the somewhat stuffy, pristine and proper librarian, Marian. She has finesse and style. Her voice is sweet and sincere and fine contrast for his solid baritone. Marian is a young woman caught up in her very pristine life, being a librarian and not really having a social life or any romantic prospects--until Henry Hill comes into the picture. She is wary, even suspicious of him and even when she gets reaffirmed in her quest to find out more and sees his questionable character, she is still drawn in magnetically with increasing passion and disregard of his spurious past. She sings with sincerity and passion in songs like "Goodnight My Someone" and "My White Knight."

          

  There is a lot to life here with the large cast, all of who deliver the goods consistently.

            Tom Gleadow once again shows his skills and comic finesse as the mayor, Mayor Shinn. He can be blustery or confused with just the right flair.

            Lorinda Lisitza is a delight as his daffy, music enthralled wife, Eulalie for some great comic touches throughout.

            Charlie Cowell (Dan Prior) is a traveling salesman determined to unmask Hill as the fraud he is delivers a fine performance. His comic timing is winning and winsome.

            Patrick Conway is Hill's longtime friend and associate who struggles to help him including warn him when it all seems to be closing in to bring Hill disaster and arrest.

            The rest of the supporting cast are just as fun and talented.

            Everything is right on the mark here. The period costumes by Jeff Hendry are impeccable with just the right period flair and style, particularly the women's hats and dresses. The choreography by director Richard Sambellico is exquisite, robust, vital and sleek. In “Seventy-Six Trombones” it shine with real gusto and fantastic dance moves, acrobatic to the point of being like a circus. he directs his fine cast with sincerity and conviction. evoking the best from the best consistently. Musical director Eddie Gutman keeps everything musically on track without a hitch.

            The show is very much a product of its era, but survives that rather well with the fresh, inspiring performances and style of the entire cast.

            “The Music Man” runs through July 15 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Wakefield. Tickets are $46-$72. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit theatrebythesea.com.