Disney on stage: The Arts Club's Beauty and the Beast

BY JOSEPH PLANTA

Friday, 25 November 2005

VANCOUVER - It's a bit curious that the Arts Club Theatre Company would choose to stage Disney's Beauty and the Beast as its latest production on the boards of the Stanley Theatre. Maybe it's a sign of the times that companies like the Arts Club, obviously local and independent, would stage something so commercial, or something so branded. But it's not an unwelcome move, considering the show has reached the sort of level of cultural awareness where its songs are not only fodder for musical theatre enthusiasts, but also figure skating routines and political conventions.

As the song says, the tale is as old as time-it dates back to the second century, but the version playing until 15 January 2006 is Disney's, even bearing the mouse company's ubiquitous logo. Directed by Bill Millerd, it's based on the 1991 animated feature film, which was the only animated movie nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. When the film came out, many said that the film had songs worthy of a Broadway musical, and thus was born the storied Disney empire of animated pictures with songs and lyrics inspired by the world of musical theatre. Composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman's score was expanded by Tim Rice, who came in to add several new lyrics when this production was adapted for the Broadway stage in 1994. The score is still a bit thin, if unimpressive, seemingly punctuated by well-known numbers "Be Our Guest" and the title song, "Beauty and the Beast."

This Arts Club production boasts an impressive and imposing set by Alison Green, whose mansion when revealed for the first time garners gasps from the audience and smatterings of applause. The costumes by Rebekka Sorensen are colourful and apt for a show based on a cartoon. They're brash and a character onto themselves, and dare I say it, animated.

Because it's a fable based on a cartoon one is willing to cut the production a bit of slack in terms of the development of characters and the movement of the plot. The characters are caricatures, and if they have some level of complexity, it seems almost ill-fitting. That's not to say this production is just full of bells and whistles, smoke and heavy make up. There are some fine performances turned in, in particular Belle played by Amy Wallis. Though she looks a tad older than the character is supposed to be, she tackles her numbers with ferocity and firmness. Warren Kimmel as the Beast is fierce as he is tender, affecting the character well. Jonathan Winsby as the comic Gaston is delightfully comedic and is a commanding presence on the stage of the Stanley.

Matt Palmer as Lumiere was hilarious and charming, while Shawn Macdonald as Cogsworth added much humour, lightening the darkness of the Beast as protagonist. Susan Anderson as Mrs. Potts was delightful; however, her performance of the title song lacked the tenderness of Angela Lansbury and at times sounded more like an overly dramatic audition piece akin to Canadian Idol. It is curious that the role of Mrs. Potts's son Chip is played by females. There's nothing wrong with that, however it was slightly obvious on opening night that Chip may have been having identity problems.

Two smaller parts-LeFou and Maurice-were ably filled by Dan Costain and Bernard Cuffling, respectively, bringing much to the chemistry of the cast as a whole, not to mention light-hearted charm. There's were genuinely committed performances.

This holiday season proves perfect timing to take theatregoers young and old to the Stanley to take in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I suspect the Arts Club knows it. In any case they've dressed it up with amazing sets and costumes, and showcase performances that are enthusiastic and able.

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The Arts Club's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast directed by Bill Millerd with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, with a book by Linda Wollverton, is playing at the Stanley Theatre until 15 January 2006. Tickets are available at TicketMaster, or the Arts Club's box office (604.687.1644), or through their website www.artsclub.com. The production features: Warren Kimmel, Amy Wallis, Jonathan Winsby, Bernard Cuffling, Matt Palmer, Shawn Macdonald, Susan Anderson, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Dan Costain, Dorothy Hosie, Jessica Marino, Abigail Winter-Culliford, Lindsay Sterk, with Scott Augustine, Kristi Frank, Jackée Guillou, Troy V. McLaughlin, Laura Nason, Ben Ngui, Shane Snow and Melissa Young.

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An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE.