Photos by Mark Velasquez
When resident artist Kitty Balay opens PCPA’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with the time-honored phrase “Once upon a time,” you can plan on seeing a time-honored fairy tale come magically and colorfully to life.
From Jason Bolen’s richly-appointed, spiraling set to Caroline Rein’s imaginative furniture-comes-to-life costumes and swirling ballgowns, from the cast’s electrifying performances to choreographer Keenon Hooks’ delightful concoctions, everything about this show is designed to enchant audience members of any age. (Princesses of all ages are heavily favored to be in attendance, however, given the number of pink gowns and tiaras seen at one recent preview performance.)
The cast is uniformly heart-warming and attuned to pleasing an audience—even the Beast, here played by resident artist Alexander Pimentel with the help of clever make-up and costuming. PCPA alumna Edella Orox Westerfield makes a charming Belle—the astute, book-loving heroine who can accurately take the measure of a man, which she certainly does as she spurns the advances of fellow villager Gaston. Resident artist Cordell Cole plays the smarmy wanna-be lothario with gusto and a larger-than-life talent that makes you, paradoxically, want to see even more of him. It takes Belle a little longer to see into the heart of the Beast, but lucky for us she does, and Pimentel makes the transformation truly transformative. In ditching the outer layer of the Beast he becomes simply a man in love with an enchanting woman.
Of course the story unfolds with the help of a cast of thousands—well, at PCPA when three dozen cast members take the relatively small stage to sing and dance their hearts out, it looks like that. With a score of musical numbers, including “No Matter What” featuring Belle and a comfortable Michael Cone as her father, the crowd-pleasing “Gaston” in which Cole shines, and of course the tune-you-can’t-help-but-sing-along-to “Be Our Guest,” you’ll remember this production until PCPA’s next holiday extravaganza. With singing salt and pepper shakers, tango-ing accessories, a ballet-dancing dessert tray (Sydni Ramirez is always a delight), and a chorus line of homegoods backed up by dinnerware, you’ll begin to wonder if your own trappings will measure up during your holiday entertaining.
Andrew Philpot as a candelabra, George Walker as a clock, Kitty Balay as a teapot, Caden Rennick as a teacup (played alternately by Leo Ventura), Molly Dobbs as a feather duster, and Christen Celaya as a bureau all have their spotlight moments (and deservedly so), but Gaston’s sidekick LeFou—a very amusing Keenon Hooks, unhampered by feathers or fixtures—adds a delicious dash of human comedy to the proceedings.
Director Erik Stein—with a well-chosen cast and inspired creative team—delivers a lovely version of this fairy tale for all to enjoy. Beauty and the Beast is a good two-and-a-half-hours long (with intermission), but it’s packed with fun and is a feast for the eyes. It plays through December 22, and although it isn’t a holiday-themed show, experiencing it will certainly add glitter and gayety to your end-of-year plans with family and friends.
PCPA has posted a trailer for the production here.
Of Note
PCPA has added some “extras” to three performances of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in December.
On Saturday, December 7, prior to the show that begins at 1:30, director Erik Stein will discuss the production with audience members in Marian Theatre beginning at 1 p.m.
The Sunday, December 8 show that begins at 1:30 p.m. features a post-show talkback session with the cast and crew for audience members who choose to remain in Marian Theatre after the performance.
Both of these “extras” are included in the ticket price.
The 7 p.m. show on Sunday, December 15, will have seats designated for an ASL interpreted performance. Audience members wishing to sit in the designated area should contact the box office in advance, 805-922-8313.