Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Vancouver Review

Comments 5 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Review — I was not paid to write this post or any other. I did receive complimentary media tickets to this performance. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Little girls in party dresses, patent shoes, and some with a tiara or rose filed into the Queen Elizabeth Theatre last night for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Audience members young and old were atwitter, having read the book or watched the cartoon movie growing up. I had actually just watched the Disney movie on a recent flight so several lines and queues were fresh in my mind.

After the prologue with the Beast and the enchantress the ensemble’s first musical number with the townspeople seemed like it could have used a bit more hustle and bustle — and a few more props. Quickly thereafter, the vocal performances of Belle (Emily Behny), Gaston (Logan Denninghoff), and the ensemble, which sounded impeccable, were enough to fill the stage.

beautyandthebeast
Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Gaston, Lefou, the Silly Girls and Tavern Patrons soon wowed the crowd with a lively rendition of Gaston, working their hearts out impressively clinking cups in unison.

In the castle, the audience loved the personality and quirks of Madame de la Grande Bouche (Jen Bechter) and I’m fairly certain that many swooned at Lumiere’s performance (Michael Haller). I actually overheard: “I’m totally crushing on Lumiere. I think the woman behind me is too.”

I found some of the costumes to be spot-on, successfully transferring a cartoon inspiration to stage, while others made it a bit difficult to figure out what object the character was supposed to be transforming into (unless you’ve seen the movie).

When it was time for Be Our Guest the audience was blown away, and I literally jumped in my seat. It had style, sparkle, and a great big bang. The cast was amazingly energetic and this was definitely the showstopping number.

The crowd began to root for the characters whose plight to become human again seemed more engaging than in the film. Numbers like Something There, If I Can’t Love Her, and A Change in Me, garnered sniffles from the seats and I heard my mother reach for tissues to wipe away tears. The emotional element was definitely there, helped along by the powerful vocals of Beast (Dane Agostinis).

Beauty and the Beast
Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Children will enjoy the colourful performances of Lefou (Andrew Kreup), the humour, and the imagination that made everyone cheer in support of a characters like Cogsworth (James May) and Mrs. Potts (Julia Louise Hosack). I’m sure the little girls in their princess dresses left filled with wonder and excitement after the bright and colourful production.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will on the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre until February 12, 2012. Tickets are still available through Broadway Across America.

Current Contests on Miss604
*All contests are open to residents of Canada only, unless otherwise stated. Contest timelines are published on each individual post along with entry methods. Some contests may only be open to those 19 years of age and older. Winners are announced on the contest blog posts. Contest policy »

5 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. JennThursday, February 9th, 2012 — 2:00pm PST

    Sounds awesome! I’m going to the show tonight and I can’t wait!

  2. Mom604Thursday, February 9th, 2012 — 2:16pm PST

    I had such a great time. Loved it. (It’s true, I did get teary-eyed) You will enjoy it for sure!

  3. Lori-Airbnb SuperhostThursday, February 9th, 2012 — 3:39pm PST

    I’ve never seen the movie or read the book but went to the play last night and thought it was great. I didn’t get teary eyed but I did laugh more than I was expecting. I actually just commented on this show under a different post of yours. When I came back to read the rest of your posts and found this newer entry. Lumiere, Gaston & his side kick stole the show…what was his character’s name? Lefou?

    I saw you at the show and said “that’s Miss 604” I wanted to tell you I like your blog but didn’t want to bother you and thought I could tell you here without invading on your personal space:)

  4. Sylvia FFriday, February 10th, 2012 — 11:07am PST

    just saw the show in Vancouver. Emily Behny was the perfect Belle! It was an amazing show, the group singing was the most amazing!! Highly recommended!!

  5. BargainmooseTuesday, February 14th, 2012 — 11:12am PST

    I’m SO sad I missed this performance at the Queen E. It looked like a great show, and with your review it made me more sad that I missed it! I love that Vancouver is hosting more Broadway shows, it is great to have another option for entertainment. I’m hoping the Queen E will host Wicked & Phantom of the Opera again! -Kate

Also on Miss604.com
«
»