If there are one or two words to capture the essence of Olney Theatre Center's Disney's Beauty and the Beast, I would choose "adorable" and "charming."
Not a theatre lover? You will be.Folks, it's Broadway comes to Olney in the revival of Beauty and the Beast which was cut short last year by a Covid variant, of course.
From the start, the show dazzles with action, verve, and terrific choreography (by Broadway star Josh Walden) which never stops.
My fav (per usual whenever he's on stage) is the hilarious Bobby Smith as Lumiere whose light fantastic on national and New York stages becomes obvious in short order.
How did he hold up those lights, candles, lamps whatever they were for so long? An arm support, maybe?
The show has lots of comedy, including Lumiere's slapstick partner, a (cuckoo) clock named Cogsworth (Dylan Arrendondo). The two are a natural duo of fast conversations, dancing and jumping around opposite each other to often steal a scene.
From left, Kelli Blackwell as Mrs. Potts, Jade Jones as Belle, and Tracy Lynn Olivera as Madame de la Grande Bouche in Olney Theatre Center's Disney's Beauty and the Beast/Teresa Castracane Photography
Another amazing "hold" is found in the right arm of Mrs. Potts (Kelli Blackwell), frozen as it were in the shape of a teapot (that's what she is) whenever she's on stage, tottering from side to side.
Ruggerio was mysterious and stooped in all the moments that demanded a hunchback until...
It wasn't only the "beast" whose looks are deceiving but the beauty's, too, acted by Helen Hayes' two-time nominee Jade Jones as Belle, the centerpiece of the story with a vibrant, stellar voice to undercut any doubts for those who judge by appearances only.
She has lots of competition when it comes to stars in the show.
Where to begin?
From left, Jade Jones as Belle, Evan Ruggiero as the Beast, Bobby Smith as Lumiere, and Dylan Arrendondo as Cogsworth in Olney Theatre Center's Disney's Beauty and the Beast/Teresa Castracane Photography
Speaking of perpetual physical demands, I found myself silently applauding the skillful maneuvering by the "Beast" (Evan Ruggerio) who kept his peg leg well hidden behind his knee and the long coats he wore. Little did I know what truth lay under the garments! More than meets the eye! A surprising feat!Ruggerio was mysterious and stooped in all the moments that demanded a hunchback until...
It wasn't only the "beast" whose looks are deceiving but the beauty's, too, acted by Helen Hayes' two-time nominee Jade Jones as Belle, the centerpiece of the story with a vibrant, stellar voice to undercut any doubts for those who judge by appearances only.
She has lots of competition when it comes to stars in the show.
Where to begin?
The dimmer ones almost outshine the brightest ones!
Like another of my other favorites, Tracy Lynn Olivera who is Madame de la Grande Bouche (French for "madam of the big mouth"). This multi-Helen Hayes winner has a sharp delivery and effervescent humor in addition to an excellent voice whose high notes never faltered and always peaked with ease.
Michael Burrell is Gaston whose sidekick, LeFeu (French for "the fool") make an energetic team trying to win the girl. (John Sygar is LeFeu whose acrobatics with Mr. Burrell made me envious of their abilities to leap, sprawl, rock and roll.)
The ensemble couldn't have been better! From dancing to vocals, they enlivened every scene with their performances and costumes (by Ivania Stack whose stunning, luxurious gown for Belle drew gasps when Belle first appeared in it on stage, sometimes with sharp utensils which could bend at every angle (? You have to be there.).
Wig designer Ali Pohanka had her head full of creations for the many 18th-century wigs which never fell or slid from the tops of any actor.
Like another of my other favorites, Tracy Lynn Olivera who is Madame de la Grande Bouche (French for "madam of the big mouth"). This multi-Helen Hayes winner has a sharp delivery and effervescent humor in addition to an excellent voice whose high notes never faltered and always peaked with ease.
Michael Burrell is Gaston whose sidekick, LeFeu (French for "the fool") make an energetic team trying to win the girl. (John Sygar is LeFeu whose acrobatics with Mr. Burrell made me envious of their abilities to leap, sprawl, rock and roll.)
The ensemble couldn't have been better! From dancing to vocals, they enlivened every scene with their performances and costumes (by Ivania Stack whose stunning, luxurious gown for Belle drew gasps when Belle first appeared in it on stage, sometimes with sharp utensils which could bend at every angle (? You have to be there.).
Wig designer Ali Pohanka had her head full of creations for the many 18th-century wigs which never fell or slid from the tops of any actor.
How did they keep them attached amidst all the gyrations?
Helen Hayes winner Walter “Bobby“ McCoy leads the hidden nine-piece orchestra, the live music which is critical to increased enjoyment of the production even while sometimes competing with voices onstage.
If you've never seen the show, it's about a missing father (Sasha Olinick is Maurice) whose daughter, Belle, goes in search for him and stumbles upon a mysterious and cobwebbed mansion filled with all things ghastly. (Applause to Narelle Sissons for her magnificent sets.)
The story may be a bit predictable, but it's marvelous entertainment and sure to enchant all who come (save the very youngest).
Alert: Do not judge a book by its cover. There's more than meets the eye. Especially if horns are attached.
Others in the show are Hailey Ibberson, Connor James Reilly, Michael Wood and ensemble members,
Jessica Bennett, Ariana Caldwell, Selena Clyne-Galindo, Miya Hamashige, Erica Leigh Hansen, Ariel Messeca, David Singleton, Megan Tatum, and Tyler M. White.
Tony-nominated Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs.
Other creative members are Colin K. Bills, lighting; Matt Rose, sound; John Keith Hall, production stage manager; Phillip Snider, Cat Moreschi and Conri Connell, assistant stage managers; and Robb Hunter, fight choreographer who achieves immense success with the various physical conflicts.
What: Disney's Beauty and the Beast by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Linda Woolverton
When: Through Jan. 1, 2023, Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. except Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesday, Nov. 30, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28.
A sign-interpreted performance Thursday, Dec. 1st at 8:00p.m. (Email wbrown@olneytheatre.org.)
Draw Yourself Into the Story! For children, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, 11 a.m. Olney provides the paper, colored pencils, and lots more! $5 each or free for members.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832.
Tickets: Start at $42-$99 available at olneytheatre.org and 301-924-3400.
Ages: For all, except toddlers
Language: G
Masks: Required at Wednesday and Sunday performances; recommended at other performances.
Parking: Free, lighted and plentiful on-site
For more information: 301-924-3400 for the box office, Wed. - Sat., 12 - 6 p.m. or 301-924-4485
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