Review: 'Beast' is a 'Beauty' of a play
By: MaryAnn Robertson
About 20 minutes into the production of Disney�s "Beauty and the Beast" at the Ogunquit Playhouse, I realized I was watching something special. And I wasn�t thinking about the production per se. Don�t misunderstand me. The production is lovely, creating fairy tale magic without depending on high tech special effects. Richard Ellis� storybook set based on layers of drops creates a variety of locations with finesse and wonder. Richard Latta�s lighting design adds to the enchantment magically. The crew running the drops demonstrates impeccable timing. Kudos to the stage manager calling those cues. The show looks great.
Richard Stafford�s staging is charming. He tells a familiar story in a familiar way. The pictures he creates reveal characters� relationships decisively. In the act one production number "Be Our Guest" Stafford pulls out the stops and gives us a costume and dance parade that captivates everyone.
I could compare the stage show with the animated film, but why? I will tell you I like this production better than the National Tour I saw. The reason is its simplicity. This production succeeds on substance not flash, and that just makes for better storytelling.
What really grabs my attention with this show is the commonality of purpose and even background among the performers. Many of these performers were nurtured early in their professional careers at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (SRT) in Portsmouth. As many are returning, it appears with joy, to the Ogunquit stage. This season clearly offered extended opportunities to several of the actors. As a result they are comfortable with one another.
Stephen Tewksbury has taken time away from appearing as Inspector Javert in the current national tour of "Les Miserables" to play the Beast in this show. I saw his performances in "Les Mis" as both Enjolras and as Javert. The beast is an interesting departure in that it�s a small role with little singing time.
Tewksbury has a powerful voice and certainly fills the house in the contemplative soliloquy "If I Can�t Love Her." What marks his performance, however, is his ability to use his towering stature to bring the beast to life while also finding an inner gentleness that helps us see the man with all his frustrations and foibles.
Jill Stacey Carlen plays Babette with enough flourish to brush away any cobwebs. Carlen has been coming to Oguqnuit for three seasons. She has also worked in last year�s "Rocky Horror Show Live" at SRT, where she also directed "Smokey Joe�s Caf�" last fall. t helps us see the man with all his frustrations and foibles.
William Hartery, too, has long trod New Hampshire stages with unique energy. As Cogsworth, his nervous laughter keeps the audience giggling.
Nicole Johndrow came to SRT the year she graduated from Emerson, when she appeared in several shows over a full year and was cast by Stafford in a show he was directing in North Carolina.
Johndrow, Brian Collier, Lisa Kassay, Tina Moya, Kevin C Wanzor, Geoff Wilson and others wowed Ogunquit audiences this summer in "Cats."
Traci Skoldberg was in "Cats" and also in two shows this summer at SRT.
And, of course, Berwick, Maine�s own Alex Door is delightful as Chip, the boy in a teacup.
I could go on and on, but you can read the playbill. My point is there�s a special synergy developing because of the close ties between the Ogunquit Playhouse and the SRT. The corps of performers emerging is quite a wonderful bunch. Congratulations to Roy and Eileen Rogosin for making it happen.
I would be remiss if I ended my comments here without reference to Jeanne Lehman�s performance as Mrs. Potts. She exudes gentleness but also isn�t afraid to play the absurdity of it all with verve. Plus, this is a role tailored for her singing voice.
"Beauty and the Beast" is a fabulous way to end the summer. See it. You�ll be glad you did.