THE BASICS: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a Disney touring musical, runs through Sunday 8/24, Fri at 7:00, Sat at 2:00 & 7:30, Sun 1:00 & 6:30, presented by Albert Nocciolino and Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202 716-847-0850 sheas.org
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes, including one intermission
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: This classic fable tells of Belle, an independent-minded young woman “trapped” in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress after he refused her plea for shelter. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will be lifted, and then he and his servants (now turned into furniture and kitchenware) will be transformed back into their former selves. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION: Almost immediately after the 1991 film’s release, critics recognized its Broadway potential. Frank Rich of The New York Times famously declared it had “the best Broadway musical score of 1991″—better than anything actually on stage that season.
Composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman, fresh from rescuing Disney with The Little Mermaid, created something approaching operatic. Menken employs Wagnerian techniques, weaving leitmotifs throughout the score—notice how the opening melody from “Belle” returns transformed in Act II’s “Something There.” The lyrics are equally sophisticated, with Ashman embedding clever foreshadowing: when Belle sings about her favorite book (“Here’s where she meets Prince Charming / But she won’t discover that it’s him ’til chapter three!”), she’s describing her own story arc.
More importantly, the opening number establishes why this unlikely romance works. Both Belle and Beast are isolated—she’s “different from the rest of us,” as the villagers note, making her Beast’s perfect counterpart in loneliness.
Kyra Belle Johnson is luminous as Belle, possessing both the vocal chops and infectious joy that make you believe. Her performance during “Be Our Guest”—complete with Busby Berkeley-style overhead shots, multiple costume changes, and show-stopping tap choreography—was beyond charming.
Danny Gardner brings delightful physicality to Lumière, balancing his roles as Belle’s charming host and Beast’s loyal advisor. Fergie L. Philippe surprises as the Beast, revealing an unexpectedly beautiful singing voice beneath the monster’s exterior (Philippe previously played both Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in Broadway’s HAMILTON).
The supporting cast shines throughout: Kathy Voytko channels Angela Lansbury perfectly as Mrs. Potts, while Harry Francis (a West End veteran) demonstrates impeccable comic timing as LeFou.
This is Disney at its finest. The ten-piece orchestra delivers a massive sound that punches above its size, while the sets, costumes, and special effects are stunning. After all, this is the company behind THE LION KING, FROZEN, and ANASTASIA—they know how to create theatrical spectacle.
The evening concluded with something rarely seen: completely spontaneous applause. No coaxing needed—the audience erupted in genuine appreciation for what they’d witnessed.
Bottom Line: This is family entertainment at its most sophisticated. Prepare to be enchanted. And yes, if your child wants to wear Belle’s iconic yellow dress to the theater, embrace it—she’ll be in excellent company.