Posts Tagged ‘linda woolverton’

The Muny Brings Energy and Heart to Crowd-Pleasing “Beauty and the Beast”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2023| 1 Comment »

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by John Tartaglia
Chorographed by Patrick O’Neill
The Muny
June 23, 2023

Cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a modern classic. Whether it’s the original animated film, the stage production, or the more recent live action film version, this story has found a large, enthusiastic audience over the years. Currently in St. Louis, the Muny is staging a huge, heartfelt production that especially showcases its two leads, as well as an energetic ensemble and some impressive production values. 

Considering its adaptations and the enduring popularity of the original movie, the Disney version of the classic tale is perhaps even more well-known than its source story, at least in America. It’s so popular that it has even spawned many memes and jokes, as well as fan theories that, although inaccurate in my opinion, are widely repeated. But  regardless of what you may think of the story, there’s little doubt that it’s popular, and that the iconic image of Belle in her gold dress and the Beast in his blue coat is easily recognizable by many. The stage show takes the familiar story, with all its iconic moments from the film, and fleshes it out a bit, including some darker moments that aren’t included in the original film, as well as some memorable new songs, and a bit more focus on the servants in the Beast’s castle, who have been transformed into household objects by the same spell that turned the selfish young Prince into a Beast, who is hoping to find true love so he and everyone in his household can become human again.

Belle is the focus character, as is usual, and she’s as strong-willed and intelligent as ever, while being seen as odd by her neighbors in a small French village, and as an object of vanity by the good-looking but self-obsessed Gaston. When Belle makes a deal with the Beast to free her father, the heart of the story is set into motion, and we see how she becomes a catalyst for the Beast’s self-reflection and eventual change. The stage show takes a little more time to explore this relationship, as well as the relationship between the Beast and his servants, including Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts; as Gaston continues to plot to get his way, leading to an inevitable confrontation. 

The Muny and director John Tartaglia have assembled an excellent cast for this production, led by Ashley Blanchet in a terrific turn as a particularly strong-willed, relatable Belle. Blanchet also has a powerful voice that shines on solo songs like “Home” as well as production numbers like the opening song. Ben Crawford, as the Beast, is also excellent, with strong vocals, memorable stage presence, and excellent chemistry with Blanchet as well as a believable rapport with his household staff, who are all well-cast. Kelvin Moon Loh as the charming Lumiere and Eric Jordan Young as the fastidious Cogsworth especially stand out, and Ann Harada as Mrs. Potts also has some memorable moments, although her voice isn’t quite as strong as those of others I’ve seen in the role. There are also some fun moments from Debby Lennon as opera singer-turned-wardrobe Madame de la Grande Bouche, Holly Ann Butler as maid-turned-feather duster Babette, and Michael Hobin as Mrs. Potts’s son Chip, who has been transformed into a teacup. Claybourne Elder hams it up impressively as the villainous Gaston, as well, matched by Tommy Bracco in a hilarious performance as sidekick LeFou. There’s also a strong ensemble playing everyone from townspeople to enchanted objects, who lend energy and enthusiasm to the production numbers, memorably choreographed by Patrick O’Neill and occasionally featuring some eye-catching pyrotechnics.

Visually, the show is recognizable as the Disney classic while also featuring its own spin on the classic look. The set by Ann Beyersdorfer is versatile and detailed, aided by memorable video design by Greg Emetaz, which for the most part is excellent, although there is one unintentionally humorous video moment late in the show that detracts from the overall weight of an important scene. The lighting by Jason Lyons and detailed costumes by Robin McGee also add to the entertaining and occasionally thrilling atmosphere of the production, along with some whimsical puppets designed by Andy Manjuck and Dorothy James. There’s also a great Muny Orchestra led by music director Ben Whiteley, playing that lush, melodic score with style.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Muny is, for the most part, a rousing success. It’s a classic tale of love, compassion, and standing out from the crowd, brought to Forest Park again with wit, style, and and occasional touches of whimsy, melancholy, and glamour. Although some moments may be scary for very young children, this is a show that should appeal to all ages, and the crowd certainly loves it. It’s another entertaining entry in the Muny’s 2023 season. 

Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

The Muny is presenting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Forest Park until June 30, 2023

This review was originally posted at kdhx.org

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STAGES Dazzles with Poignant, Powerful “Aida”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Aida
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang
Directed and Choreographed by Luis Salgado
STAGES St. Louis
June 7, 2023

Wonu Ogunfowora (center) and Cast of Aida
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
STAGES St. Louis

STAGES St. Louis is back for another season, and their first production is spectacular. With a stellar cast and truly spellbinding production values, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida has made an indelible impression on audiences. Its a poignant, compelling story, as well as showcase for a great deal of astonishing talent, including some very welcome returning artists and some excellent STAGES newcomers.

With the exception of a framing device at the beginning and end, the story is set in ancient Egypt, during a war between Egypt and the country of Nubia. The Nubian princess Aida (Wonu Ogunfowora) is captured early in the story along with some of her countrywomen, and is brought into slavery in Egypt. The strong-willed Aida stands up to the military leader who captures her, Captain Radames (Ace Young), and both feel drawn to one another, with initial reluctance especially on Aida’s part. As for Radames, he’s engaged–for nine years–to the Pharaoh’s daughter, the initially flighty Princess Amneris (Diana DeGarmo), who loves Radames but increasingly doubts that he feels the same way about her. Meanwhile, Radames’ scheming father, chief minister Zoser (Ryan Williams) schemes to get his son on the throne as soon as possible, and the enslaved Nubians spurred on by the determined Mereb (Albert Jennings) hope to someday return to freedom in their home country. As the attraction between Aida and Radames grows, she keeps her identity as a princess secret, but forces are conspiring against them and threaten their hope of a future together, as well as the hopes of the Nubians and anyone who desires peace and freedom. The memorable score by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice help to drive the story that features timeless themes of striving for love, hope, freedom, and the terrors of greed and injustice. 

The cast here is wonderful, with standout performances from all three main leads, as well as the rest of the cast. The anchors, though, include the stellar Ogunfowara as the strong-minded Aida, with a powerful voice on songs like “Easy as Life” and her memorable duets with the also excellent Young, who has a pleasant tenor voice and brings a sense of warmth to Radames that rises to the surface as his relationship with Aida grows. DeGarmo as Amneris is another significant standout, with her sheer stage presence and remarkable vocals, as well as her ability to portray her character’s progression from flighty and sheltered to more self-aware and determined, as demonstrated remarkably in her two big songs–the energetic “My Strongest Suit” in the first act, and the more emotional, expertly sung “I Know the Truth” in the second. Other notable performances include Jennings, who is thoroughly convincing as the idealistic Mereb; and Williams, who revels in every oily moment as the nefarious, scheming Zoser. There’s a strong supporting cast with no weak links, as well as excellent vocals all around, with memorable group numbers like “The Gods Love Nubia” showcasing their talents, as well as the stunning choreography by director/choreographer Luis Salgado, who makes a triumphant return this year after last year’s excellent In the Heights. 

Technically, this show also dazzles, with all the elements blending together to tell this compelling story. The versatile set, by Kate Rance, features neon pyramids that go along with the bright “glow stick” like rods that are used to great effect in the choreography. Herrick Goldman’s lighting is also superb, contributing to some truly spectacular effects as the story unfolds, and Brad Musgrove’s meticulously detailed costumes are equally impressive, lending a bit of edgy modern twist to the ancient Egyptian setting and motifs. The orchestra, led by music director Erika R. Gamez, sounds great, bringing power to the already excellent score. 

It was great to see Executive Producer Andrew Kuhlman onstage after the curtain call, bringing many of the backstage crew and creatives to the stage for a well-deserved ovation. There’s a lot of talent involved in this production of a timeless story poignantly and memorably told.  Simply speaking, Aida at STAGES is a production that’s not to be missed. 

Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, and Cast of Aida
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
STAGES St. Louis

STAGES St. Louis is presenting Aida at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center until July 2, 2023

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The Muny Closes Its 98th Season with Excellent “Aida”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on August 13, 2016| 1 Comment »

Aida
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton and Robert Falls & David Henry Hwang
Directed by Matt Lenz
Choreographed by Jon Rua
August 8, 2016

Cast of Aida Photo: The Muny

Cast of Aida
Photo: The Muny

It’s a musical based on the story from a well-known opera, with music by one of pop music’s most recognizable names. It’s set in ancient Egypt, but with a host of modern musical styles from pop to rock to gospel and more. The show is Aida, and it’s the last–and best–production of the Muny’s 98th season in Forest Park.

Aida is named after its central character, a Nubian princess (Michelle Williams) who has been captured along with others from her country as a result of a recent battle with Egypt. The Nubian captives are taken as slaves by the Egyptians, and Aida keeps her identity as a princess secret. The Egyptian captain, Radames (Zak Resnick), decides to present Aida as a “gift” to be a handmaiden for his betrothed, Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris (Taylor Louderman), although he and Aida are obviously attracted to one another. As their attraction grows, political intrigue also grows, as Radames’s unscrupulous father Zoser (Patrick Cassidy) schemes to get his son into power, against Radames’s own wishes. As the story continues, Aida and Radames are increasingly drawn to one another as Aida also develops something of a friendship with Amneris and also confides her secret to her countryman, Mereb (Wonza Johnson), another captured palace servant who wants to reveal her secret to his people. The warlike nature of society, the injustice of slavery and imperialism, roles and expectations of women, social pressures of marriage for political gain vs. love, and other issues are key elements in this story. It’s a love story ultimately, but not only about romantic love. It’s also about love for family, friends, country, and the desire for freedom to live and love as one chooses. The excellent songs by Elton John and Tim Rice portrays these themes with style and a variety of musical styles, ranging from pop to rock to gospel.

The cast here features several performers who have been involved in productions of Aida on Broadway, on tour, and in the last Muny production in 2006, including the excellent Michelle Williams, who previously played the title role on Broadway. She’s in excellent voice here and displays great stage presence and chemistry with Resnick’s conflicted Radames. Their duets are a highlight of the production. Taylor Louderman is also impressive as the initially superficial-seeming Amneris, whose ode to fashion “My Strongest Suit” is a musical and comedic tour de force. Louderman also does a great job portraying her character’s conflict and growth as a character. Also excellent is Johnson as Mereb, with a strong voice and a strong sense of conviction and loyalty to Aida and his people. There’s also a great performance by the Muny’s veteran Ken Page, reprising his 2006 role as Aida’s father, Nubian king Amonasro. Patrick Cassidy, who has previously played Radames on Broadway and on tour, does a fine job here in the somewhat cartoonish role of Zoser, although the vocals seem to be challenging for his range at times. The show also boasts a top notch ensemble, shining vocally and physically in stunning production numbers such as the Act 1 finale, “The Gods Love Nubia”. It’s a wonderful cast all around, telling the story with energy, emotion, and superb skill.

Technically, this production is also a stunner. The expansive, versatile set by Tim Mackabee evokes the Egyptian setting well, with pyramids, desert backdrops, and regal palace settings. Robin L. McGee’s costumes are superbly detailed, as well, suiting the characters well and evoking the time and place. There’s also fantastic lighting by Nathan W. Scheuer and video design by Matthew Young, transporting the audience to a somewhat stylized version of ancient Egypt.

Overall, this has been a good year for the Muny.  Unfortunately I didn’t get to see all of the shows this year, missing Fiddler On the Roof because I was out of town that week. Still, the Muny is in excellent hands with Executive Producer and Artistic Director Mike Isaacson, and this production of Aida closes out the season in spectacular fashion. It’s a poignant, musically impressive, visually stunning, superbly acted production. I hadn’t seen this musical, or the opera on which it is based, before, and I’m glad this first-rate production was my introduction to this story.

Taylor Louderman, Michelle Williams, Zak Resnick Photo: The Muny

Taylor Louderman, Michelle Williams, Zak Resnick
Photo: The Muny

The Muny is presenting Aida in Forest Park until August 14, 2016.

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The Muny’s “Beast” is a Beauty

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 30, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by Matt Lenz
Chorographed by Vince Pesce
The Muny
July 29, 2015

Nicholas Rodriquez, Kate Rockwell Photo: The Muny

Nicholas Rodriquez, Kate Rockwell
Photo: The Muny

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite of Disney’s modern animated films. It’s a contemporary classic that’s been adapted for the stage and enjoyed a successful, long-running Broadway production. It’s a big, colorful show that’s well-suited for a large venue like the Muny. With a cast of well-known Muny veterans as well as some welcome new faces, this production is thoroughly entertaining and true to the magical, enchanting spirit of the film.

The plot, based on the age-old fairy tale, will be familiar to anyone who has seen the film. Belle (Kate Rockwell) is a well-read young dreamer who is praised for her physical beauty, but criticized for her unconventional ways in her small French village. She’s pursued by the vain but good-looking Gaston (Nathaniel Hackmann), who seems to only want to marry Belle so he can add another trophy to his collection. When Belle’s father, the eccentric inventor Maurice (Lenny Wolpe) gets lost in the woods and wanders into an enchanted castle, he’s imprisoned by the Beast (Nicholas Rodriguez), who is under an enchantress’s curse. When Belle makes a deal with the Beast to save her father, the story really gets going, as their relationship is the key to breaking the spell that binds the Beast and his household servants, who have all been transformed into objects–like the candlestick Lumiere (Rob McClure), the clock Cogsworth (Steve Rosen), the teapot Mrs. Potts (Marva Hicks) and her son Chip (Spencer Jones) the teacup. There’s also feather duster Babette (Deidre Goodwin) and wardrobe Madame de la Grande Bouche (Heather Jane Rolff).  A few changes have been made from the film version, mostly to make the story work better on stage, and a few new songs have been added, including the excellent ballads “Home” for Belle and “If I Can’t Love Her” for the Beast. The film’s classic songs including “Belle”, “Gaston”, “Be Our Guest” and the classic title song are all there, as well.

This is a big, vibrant production designed to fit the Muny’s massive performance space. Although the costumes, designed by Robin L. McGee, seem a bit overly cartoonish at times, the set is spectacular. Designed by Robert Mark Morgan, it’s a big, versatile set focused for much of the production on the castle, with a suggestion of the grand stone facade including arches, a staircase and prominent fireplace. The Muny’s turntable is put to excellent use as well, making for smooth scene changes and maintaining the show’s grand atmosphere. There’s also excellent video design by Matthew Young, and some well-placed special effects including real fireworks in a key scene. Again, as has been happening in every show so far this season, there are a few sound mishaps, with mics cutting out and lines being missed as a result. Still, the show is a scenic wonder, contributing to the overall fairy tale theme with style.

The performances are strong all-around, with the biggest standout being Rockwell as a thoroughly convincing Belle. She’s got just the right amount of earnestness, determination and likability, as well as a big, powerhouse voice that’s well showcased on songs like “Home” and “A Change In Me.” She’s paired well with Rodriguez as a particularly sensitive Beast, and their scenes of getting to know one another are real highlights. The “Beauty and the Beast” number is beautifully done, with Rockwell and Rodriguez bringing the romantic energy and Hicks in fine voice as Mrs. Potts.  There’s great comic support from the always excellent McClure as the charming Lumiere, and Rosen as the fastidious Cogsworth. Hackmann is a suitably swaggering and clear-voiced Gaston, and Michael Hartung is funny as his bumbling sidekick Lafou. There’s also an excellent, extra-large ensemble bringing verve and vigor to the production numbers like “Be Our Guest”, “Gaston” and “Belle”.

There are a few somewhat jarring changes from the film that I’m not sure play particularly well, especially toward the end when Gaston confronts the Beast, although the overall conclusion is still effective. The overall charm of this show comes across well in that big, bold Muny style. It’s an entertaining iteration of a classic, and it’s sure to bring joy and enchantment to theatregoers of all ages.

Kate Rockwell, Rob McClure, Marva Hicks, Steve Rosen Photo: The Muny

Kate Rockwell, Rob McClure, Marva Hicks, Steve Rosen
Photo: The Muny

Beauty and the Beast runs at the Muny in Forest Park until August 7th, 2015.

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