I was thrilled to return to Chicago Shakespeare Theater last weekend for the press opening of their Family Series production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. My review will be published in the August issue of Chicago Parent as well as ChicagoParent.com.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater has built its reputation on excellent quality productions reflecting Shakespeare’s love of storytelling, language and human emotion.
That has carried that through to its Family Series as well. When I learned that CST chose to premiere the 70-minute version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast for the summer children’s show, I was unsure how it fit the mission. However, after seeing this beautiful production, I’m more convinced than ever that CST is a best bet for families.
With a cast of only 16 people, they managed to provide the feel of a full-scale Broadway musical. Outstanding voices and swift choreography set the mood. Dynamic costumes and an ever-changing set complete with computer-animated graphics bring the enchanted world of Belle and Beast to life.
In fact, the scenes in the forest with wolves attacking and fog rolling through were so realistic that some young audience members cried out to leave. That’s certainly testament to human emotion.
Emily Rohm is perfect as the inquisitive, feisty and beautiful Belle. She brings something fresh to the well-known character, captivating the young girls in the audience. William Travis Taylor (Beast) and Jake Klinkhammer (Gaston) provide the perfect counterparts in the quest for her love. Klinkhammer makes Gaston’s smarmy and conceited villain the show’s comic relief. Taylor has the challenge of conveying Beast’s emotional journey through an intricate mask and mass of beastly hair. Using his voice and body language, he succeeds.
Once again, director Rachel Rockwell keeps the pace of the show and its ensemble members moving quickly. She milks the comedy, but doesn’t shy away from the romance inherent in the story. My 10-year-old son thought there were “too many slow songs” but, judging by the reaction of the audience, he was in the minority.
Girls and boys alike were lined up in the lobby after the show for their chance to get an autograph from, and picture with, some of the actors.
You can read more of my stories at Chicago Parent.
alenaslife 
I have fond memories of the Chicago Shakespeare Company when they brought the ‘Henry IV’ plays over to Stratford for the Complete Works Season some years ago. Some of the Company crept into the back of a discussion on Shakespeare and Leadership and gave us a fascinating insight into the way they had drawn on George W Bush for their interpretation of the politics of leadership. You are as lucky to have them as I am to have the RSC pretty much on my doorstep.
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It always amazes me that I can access world-class theater, opera and music in my city. We are lucky indeed. It’s nice to see that CST impacts audiences worldwide. Thanks for the input.
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Oh it looks fabulous! I’d love to be able to see it. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite Disney stories!
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Mine too. It was sucha treat.
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