Reviews: Beauty and the Beast presented by Langley HS
Written by Sienna Nguyen of Centreville High School
Say adieu to your dull provincial town and bonjour to Langley High School’s production of "Beauty and the Beast," where the “tale as old as time” revealed that true beauty comes from within.
When a pompous prince is cursed with the appearance of a horrific beast, he must find true love to return to normalcy. Enter Belle, a spirited young woman whose arrival at the Beast’s castle gives the enchanted castle staff--the transformed house objects--a chance to break the spell once and for all.
Based on the 1991 Disney animated film with the same title, "Beauty and the Beast" by Linda Woolverton took the Broadway stage in 1994. While the musical features the movie’s classic songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, it also introduces new compositions by Tim Rice, including power ballads “Home” and “If I Can’t Love Her.” A Disney gem, "Beauty and the Beast" had over 5000 performances over its lengthy thirteen-year Broadway run.
Leading the show was Ellie Fox as Belle, whose vocal performance was pure Disney magic. Fox first utilized a bright soprano voice, highlighting Belle’s provincial life through her innocent singing. However, in Belle’s 11 o’clock number “A Change in Me,” Fox adopted a freeing timbre that fueled a powerful belt, conveying to the audience that the secluded girl at the start of the show had finally broken free. Also displaying a masterful character arc, Zachary Ulman as the Beast showcased the prince’s development through physicality. Shown in the act one closer “If I Can’t Love Her,” Ulman began the ballad donning a twisted expression, hunched over as he illustrated the Beast’s internal struggle. However, by the end of the piece, Ulman opened his chest up, coming to terms with his love for Belle while standing tall and defiant.
Caden Peng and Abhinav Mogili, as Majordomo Cogsworth and his right-hand man Lumiere, delivered sharp-witted banter with comedic mastery. When Lumiere flared with zest, Cogsworth’s disapproving stare contrasted sharply with his fiery companion, drawing the audience to their push-pull dynamic. Meanwhile, the Wolves ensemble made each scene in the forest just as jarring as the last. The Wolves crept through the stage, snaking in unison as they howled in the air, each movement creating an atmosphere of tension.
Costumes by Lorna Evans, Melina Nipp, Arlo Kouzoukas, and Alice Zheng brought extra enchantment to the household items. Mrs. Potts’ teapot was brought to life with a hula hoop and shower curtain, while a secret compartment in Madame De La Grande Bouche’s skirt allowed her closet drawers to be functional. Hair and makeup by Lily Bowers, Shannon Linton, Lorelei Price, and Maysa Khelgati enhanced the costumes with striking details, like real candle wax dripped on Lumiere’s face and painted clock numbers on Cogsworth that progressively moved ever closer to midnight, symbolizing time running out to break the curse.
With standout performances and intricate technical designs, Langley High School’s "Beauty and the Beast" captivated audiences right from the start, bringing the magical world to life while delivering a powerful message about the power of love.
Written by Madison Eismeier of Lake Braddock Secondary School
With nostalgia hanging in the air, Langley High School's production of "Beauty and the Beast" brings to life a tale as old as time. From the bustling town square to the enchanted woods, to the surprisingly vast castle grounds, the cast and crew alike transcended the well-known classic Disney movie, infusing personal motifs, charming relationships, and infectious energy.
Originally an animated movie in 1991, which became the first to win an Oscar for Best Picture, "Beauty and the Beast" was adapted for Broadway in 1994 by Linda Woolverton, with lyrics by Alan Menken. The story follows the beloved character Belle and her unfortunate entanglement with the monstrous Beast after her father's imprisonment. However, is the Beast truly monstrous, or is he a victim of the curse that was cast upon him?
Illuminating the lively trio of enchanted cutlery items, Abhinav Mogili’s portrayal of Lumière, Caden Peng’s performance of Cogsworth, and Jenny Mears' appearance as Mrs. Potts brought captivating energy to the stage. Each actor and their interactions brought laughter wherever they went with their three distinct characteristics. Mogili’s mischievous smirk and layered gestures, paired with his humorous innuendos, contrasted nicely with Peng’s anxious, frantic objections. Meanwhile, Mears wore a smile of delighted amusement, creating both comedic and endearing timing. These scenes were well-crafted, with the three often playing off each other's energy, bringing the enchanted objects to life.
In addition, equally impressive were the performances of Zachary Ulman as the Beast and Ellie Fox as Belle. Their chemistry with one another was not only showcased in their acting but also in their show-stopping solos. Ulman’s performance of “If I Can't Love Her” showcased his powerful vocal range and emotional depth as he begged Belle to give him a chance, his sorrowful gaze full of longing. Ulman effortlessly captured the heart of the audience. Fox’s performance of “A Change in Me” was equally breathtaking, highlighting her vocal control and ability to sustain high notes for an impressive amount of time, which was crucial to the song. It made Belle’s transition from disdain and fear of the Beast to her growing love for him feel authentic. Both performers exhibited impressive stamina and maintained their energy throughout their respective solos.
In the process of bringing the magical world of Beauty and the Beast to life, the technical elements were critical, with the costumes being particularly distinct. The costumes, designed by Lorna Evans, Melina Nipp, Arlo Kouzoukas, and Alice Zheng, were meticulously crafted. In particular, the hand-crafted costumes and hand-painted details, like the added hoops and gold paint on Mrs. Potts’ and Chip's outfits, brought the characters to life in vivid detail. Additionally, Madame De La Grande Bouche’s portable wardrobe, which allowed actress Ashraya Suri to pull clothes out of it, was both stunning and brilliant.
Also of note was the Hair and Makeup designed by Lily Bowers, Shannon Linton, Lorelei Price, and Maysa Khelghati. The team put extreme effort into the Beast’s makeup and wig alike. However, that is not all; the look was done twice, once on Zachary Ulman and once on the Beast's stunt double, Atlas Zecca. The makeup and excess hair was executed so seamlessly, that it was extremely hard to tell a difference between the two.
"Beauty and the Beast" perfectly encapsulates the beloved yet nostalgic characters, and under the spotlight, the cast and crew remind us that courage and kindness can overcome even the most difficult situations, whether it’s a greedy man or a furious mob.