Theatre Talk with the Beauty and the Beast

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Musical" opened to a packed house Wednesday night, July 21, at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista.

The first thing a critic looks for in a performance is a mistake. A weakness in a performance or a flaw in the costumes, or sets, or lighting, or sound, or music, or any number of microscopic issues little known to an audience. I am delighted to report, this production was 100% spectacular.

Bravo to this huge cast. Hats off to director Jamie Torcellini and choreographer Bill Burns. No strangers to this show, they captured its heart and soul. Their casting is exceptional.

Starting with leading lady Jenna Lea Rosen as Belle. Her small world story is that she was born during her parents' national tour of this same show. Now that her story has come full circle, we, too, can celebrate her success in this iconic role.

Michael Deni plays Beast with pathos coupled with comic timing. As dark and brooding is Beast shrouded in his ghastly appearance, somehow Deni makes him likeable.

Michael Paternostro is a polished Lumiere. Suave and oh, so French, Lumiere not only steals saucy Babette's heart, he charms his way throughout. Saucy Babette played by Mikayla Agrella melts Lumiere's heart as well as trims his wick.

Veteran actor Jerald Vincent plays the eccentric Cogsworth with dignity, charm, and dynamism. Mrs. Potts is accomplished actress Bets Malone. Always a favorite on the Moonlight stage, she received a well-deserved rousing cheer with her entrance.

Evan White's alter-ego is Gaston. Hilarious, handsome, and ever so hunky, White takes his character into the stratosphere. Gaston's collaboration with the wheedling LaFou (Zane Camacho) exploits the timeless form of commedia dell'arte during their many romps on stage. Their broad comedy is a testament to their mutual

talent. Well done, gents.

Featured players include Belle's father Maurice played by Johnny Fletcher; Abraham German sparkles as Chip, and Bryce Hamilton is splendid as Madame de la Grande Bouche. From the Silly Girls (Carey Haig, Ashlyn Miller, Taylor Evans, and Kaitlyn O'Leary) to the creepy Monsieur D'Arque (Jordan Mazzocato), this ensemble cast measures up in every way including the long-legged dancing plates, to the cartwheeling napkin, all the way to the can-can silverware.

This ensemble not only excels, it vibrates with vitality. Easy to overlook is the complete change of character by each cast member with every entrance, transforming themselves in every scene with gusto. Their dancing is dazzling and their singing is spot on especially in the rousing tankard dance routine in the tavern. Great choreography, timing, and imagination!

High praise to Jake Bradford, Josh Bradford, Gerilyn Brault, Laura Bueno, Sandy Cameron, John Cardenas, Sarah Colt, Cole Fletcher, Jack Gemmell, Augusto Guardado, Cody Kelepolo, Colden Lamb, Billy McGavin, Sebastian Montenegro, Greg Nicholas, Samantha Roper, Bennett Selby, Kumari Small, and Jenna Viana.

The magic continues with each scene. Through the expertise of Jonathan Infante as projection designer, every set transition flows effortlessly. The backstage crew is a well-oiled machine. There isn't room to mention all of their names, yet each one earns praise.

Musical director Elan McMahan leads her talented orchestra brilliantly. Marina Hall plays violin, Erika Boras-Tesi cello, Marin Martiarena bass, Trish Schenkelberg, Amy Kalal, and Katrina Earl on woodwinds, David Fennell on trumpet, Joanita Washburn horn, Emily Keele and Michelle Sorger keyboards, and Daniel Doerfler plays percussion.

Celebrate this sparkling cast as they present Disney's "Beauty and the Beast, The Musical" at the Moonlight Amphitheatre through Aug. 7 with additional performances on Tuesday July 27 and Tuesday, Aug. 3.

The Box office can be reached at 760-724-2110 or visit moonlightstage.com. Because of the length of this show, anyone under 10 should take a nap to make it to the finale. This production is rated a stellar 10. Up next "A Chorus Line" followed by "On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estepan."

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected].