Beauty And The Beast At The Arvada Center
Beauty and the Beast is a classic tale of love and sacrifice that has been adapted into numerous movies, musicals, and plays. One of the most recent adaptations is the Beauty and the Beast production at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities in Colorado. This adaptation is a musical that has been well-received by audiences and critics alike.
The Story
The Beauty and the Beast story follows the journey of Belle, a young woman who lives in a small town in France. Belle is intelligent, kind, and beautiful, but she is also considered odd by the other villagers because of her love for books and her disinterest in the local heartthrob, Gaston.
One day, Belle's father, Maurice, gets lost in the forest and stumbles upon the Beast's castle. The Beast is a prince who has been cursed by an enchantress and turned into a monster. The only way to break the curse is for the Beast to find someone to love him for who he is, not for his looks.
When Maurice is caught by the Beast and imprisoned, Belle offers to take his place. Over time, Belle and the Beast develop feelings for each other, but their love is challenged by Gaston's jealousy and the Beast's curse.
The Cast
The cast of the Arvada Center's Beauty and the Beast production is made up of talented actors and actresses who bring the story to life. Belle is played by Emily Van Fleet, who has a beautiful voice and portrays Belle's intelligence and kindness perfectly. The Beast is played by Seth Dhonau, who is able to convey the Beast's anger, sadness, and vulnerability through his performance.
The supporting cast is also fantastic, with standout performances from Abigail Kochevar as Mrs. Potts, Michael Bouchard as Lumiere, and Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck as the enchantress.
The Music
The music in the Arvada Center's Beauty and the Beast production is one of the highlights of the show. The score was written by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The music includes classic songs like "Be Our Guest," "Gaston," and "Beauty and the Beast."
The orchestra, led by David Nehls, does an excellent job of bringing the music to life. The songs are catchy and memorable, and they add to the emotional impact of the story.
The Set Design
The set design in the Arvada Center's Beauty and the Beast production is breathtaking. The set, designed by Brian Mallgrave, includes a stunning castle, a village, and a forest. The castle is particularly impressive, with its grand staircase and towering windows.
The set transitions are seamless, and the lighting, designed by Shannon McKinney, adds to the magical atmosphere of the show.
The Reception
The Arvada Center's Beauty and the Beast production has received rave reviews from audiences and critics. The Denver Post called it "a show that will enchant audiences of all ages," and Westword praised the "gorgeous set design and sumptuous costumes."
The show has also been praised for its diverse cast, with actors of different races and ethnicities playing roles traditionally played by white actors.
The Bottom Line
The Arvada Center's Beauty and the Beast production is a must-see for anyone who loves musical theater. The story is timeless, the music is catchy, and the performances are outstanding. The set design and lighting add to the magical atmosphere of the show, making it an unforgettable experience.