I realized it while we were walking in: My little bit – or Emerson as most everyone else knows her – has never seen a live musical. A travesty really. Having been raised by a musically-inclined mother and a former show choir/band/flag corp/orchestra/musical-lover myself, how could I have failed my daughter already at age 4? I made a mental note to check out the rest of the 2015-2016 Broadway Of Indianapolis schedule at a later date.
But here we were, Belle doll in hand and ready for the experience of hearing “Be Our Guest” live and in-person: It was the opening night of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Clowes Hall.
So how does one review a tale that’s as old as time in well, 2 minutes? Like this:
- The set design was stunning, easily immersing viewers from one scene to the next
- The actors playing Gaston {the narcisstic playboy} and Lumiere {the witty candelabra} stole the show with their onstage poise, banter and utterly perfect comedic timing
- The cast ensemble has clearly spent a lot of time rehearsing together and play off each other flawlessly
- Their rendition of “Be Our Guest” brought the house down
- All of your old favorite tunes are there in addition to others that didn’t appear in the 1991 movie version but still helped add to the story + showcase the actors voices well
- Some of the group dance choreography really left us impressively tapping our toes, especially “Gaston” and again – not to harp on it but quite the favorite “Be Our Guest”
The show lasted a bit long for us – at 2.5 hours and counting when we finally snuck out at Emerson’s request! – however it was entertaining, exciting and worth seeing. But don’t wait long to buy tickets: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Broadway In Indianapolis show is only open until Sunday, 5/3.
