Beauty and the Beast
Subject: Quicktake - "Beauty and the Beast" by Woolverton, Menken, Rice & Ashman
Date: Sat, Aug 12, 11:10 AM
Quicktake on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
To close their 38th season, the Reagle Players have mounted a full-scale production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," which has had several local productions in the past two years, from North Shore's arena version to various community and school attempts. As usual, Reagle's show is an ambitious effort featuring a massive set with full orchestra, an experienced cast, two level wagons and impressive costumes, some hired from North Shore's production. The effect is generally impressive, though Michael Jarrett's lighting design, which features a quartet of moving instruments seems too dark at critical moments and would benefit from integral lighting on the set wagons, which might be too complicated.
As usual the voices and talents are impressive. Reagle's "resident" Broadway star, IRNE winner Sarah Pfisterer is a heartfelt Belle, while Fred Inkley's signature Beast is heartbreaking with a surprising comic side. Edward Watts, seen last month in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" gets a workout as Gaston with a voice to match his biceps. Among the local favorites, Reagle stalwart Harold Walker plays Belle's father Maurice while newcomer Paul Giragos displays his abilities as a physical comedian as Lefou, Gaston's much-abused sidekick. Among the enchanted objects, Beth Gotha, seen on various local professional stages is Mrs. Potts with Sam Blumenfeld as her son Chip, the teacup. Another Reagle veteran, Roy Earley is Cogsworth the clock. Recent B.C. grad M. Zach Bubolo shows promise as the candlestick Lumiere, while community theatre regular Melissa Beauregard is Babette the feather duster. NEC opera grad Rachelle Riehl is Madame de la Grande Bouche, the operasinging vanity. Among the dancers, Kia Chao is outstanding as the acrobatic Rug.
The creative staff is led by director Kate Swan, a veteran of the original show and associate choreographer for various tours. The recreated choreography is managed by Reagle's new associate producer Eileen Grace. Reagle's staff music director Paul S. Katz is in charge with conductor Jeffrey P. Leonard getting impressive sound as usual from his full professional pit. The costumes are from Terry Schwab at the Cumberland County Playhouse with additional pieces from Miguel Angel Huidor at NSMT. The set was hired from ZFX. "Beauty and the Beast" is an impressive finale to this season. It runs for one more weekend with a 7:30 curtain to accommodate familes.
"Beauty and the Beast" by Woolverton, Menken, Rice & Ashman, Aug. 10 - 19
Reagle Players at Robinson Theatre
Waltham High, Lexington St. / (781) 891 - 5600
Reagle Players
posted by will at 12:26 PM
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