Producer: Hamilton Musical Theatre
Director: Toni Garson
Musical Director: Jonty Climo
Choreographer: Tess Benseman
Hamilton Musical Theatre invites you to be their guest at their latest production, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Filled with familiar songs such as ‘Gaston,’ ‘Be Our Guest’ and of course ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ this adaption is fast-paced and entertaining.
In order to free himself of a curse, the Beast must learn to love and be loved. Bookish Belle becomes captive in the Beast’s magical castle. Will Belle be able to help before the Beast runs out of time?
Gabby Jackson was a standout in the role of Belle. Disney fans will be delighted with her performance, and Disney purists will find her voice exceptional. Jackson showcased her vast range of skills with innate poise. Jackson was compelling and vocally nothing short of perfection.
Bailey Lindsey played the Beast with dynamism. Lindsey terrifying but loveable, gruff but witty. Lindsey and Jackson were adorable together in the titular roles.
As an aspiring performer, this show provides plenty of opportunities to flex comedic acting chops. Across the board the show was well cast and and the interactions between the narrators, silly girls, castle inhabitants, ensemble and dancers was exciting and fun-filled. Kyra Wilson gave an exquisite performance of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as Mrs Potts.
The static two-level set with multiple opportunities for entry and exit was cleverly designed. The costumes were outstanding, based around a beautiful colourway. The entire collection was expertly fitted and tailored.
Choreographer Tess Benseman was fortunate to have a cast of agile and talented dancers at her fingertips who covered a variety of styles including musical theatre, contemporary, tap and acrobatics. The ensemble numbers were well choreographed and rehearsed.
Under Toni Garson’s excellent direction, the entire cast exuded enthusiasm and joy. The cast of 33 ranged in age from 11 to 18 years. Garson once again showed her prowess for building a confident cast and creating a stellar and memorable show.
With a running time of one hour plus an intermission, it’s manageable for kids, tweens and teens. Parking is plentiful.
Be Hamilton Musical Theatre’s guest and head along to Riverlea this week. There are nine further performances between Tuesday 18 January and Saturday 22 January 2022. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr is an excellent start to a promising year of productions at Riverlea Theatre.
Photo: Kerry Blakeney-Williams
Beauty & the Beast. I'd just add that, in a show brimming with youthful energy, Gabby Jackson brings the necessary modulation to the tender moments as well. She can punch out the energetic episodes with the rest of the cast but also creates magical moments when Belle's inner life draws us in, spellbound, as the character discovers what she's feeling. If anything, this version doesn't provide Ms Jackson with enough such moments (because a young cast typically can't manage them so well). So we look forward to this 15-year-old emerging star of the Hamilton stage finding future opportunities for extending her already considerable talents. A great debut by Ms Jackson, with impressive cast, direction, design, and staging that all help…