Written by orange• October 28, 2024• 6:48 pm• Irvine, Merage JCC, Musical, Review, Uncategorized

Beauty and the Beast @ Merage JCC – Review

Photo Credit: JStage

Written by Zack Johnston

They’re called Disney “classics” for a reason; they’re romantic, suspenseful, and always leave you with those happily-ever-after feelings. JStage’s production of the tale as old as time—Beauty and the Beast—delivers on all of these fronts with a full-hearted performance that faithfully serves the original animated movie while creating its own memorable experience.

Directed and choreographed by Carina Morales, with assistance from Klarissa Mesee, this show succeeds on multiple levels, from the dance-heavy showstoppers to the subtle technical details. Each cast member plays to their unique strengths and is perfectly grounded in their role. It’s a rarer example of a musical in which the more enviable roles might actually be found in the ensemble. From “Gaston” to “Be Our Guest,” the cast hits all the iconic musical numbers with complete gusto and showmanship.

Left to right: Haven Hanson, Kristin Cortines (Photo by Matt Bobke)

Story/Musical Direction/Acting:

With musical direction by Kim Le, every last note comes through perfectly and transports the audience directly into the mystical world of Belle and the prince, who must find love to break his years-long curse.

With her euphonious vocals and graceful command of the stage, Lindsey VanGerpen effortlessly embodies the iconic Belle. A blend of earnest devotion and resilient courage runs through her in a way that perfectly invokes the classic Disney princess. This critic had the pleasure of seeing VanGerpen in The Electric Company Theater’s Fiddler on the Roof and later in Evita at The GEM Theater. Anytime on stage, she is delightfully captivating and a talented storyteller.

Ron Gutterman plays the Beast and brings out the complicated sophistication of the cursed prince. He masterfully carries the tune of each of the Beast’s emotional ballads while also exhibiting the character’s reclusive and secretive nature.

Photo by Matt Bobke

William Jordan’s version of Gaston easily rivals that of any Disneyland cast member. He’s cocky and inconsiderate, yet there is still nuance that Jordan delivers in this comical performance that is perhaps only exceeded by his vocals. Faithfully at Gaston’s side is LeFou, played by Gavin Hamze, whose unstoppable energy is delightful.

Haven Hanson is captivating as Lumière, one of the many castle servants cursed to be a household object. From the moment he appears alongside Emma Price (Cogsworth), these two are in perfect sync.

Set/Costume Design/choreography:

Hanson happens to wear many important hats in this production. On top of playing the icon candelabra, he helps with the choreography while serving as the show’s designer for production, scenery, costumes, and make-up. Each of these areas succeeds in its own right, creating a fully thought-out experience that pays homage to the original animation without simply copying from it. All of these elements come together beautifully for a night of classic Disney magic.