Beauty and the Beast at Popejoy Hall: A Magical Celebration of a Timeless Story
Walking into Popejoy Hall for the opening night of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of little girls in princess dresses, holding their mothers' hands as they found their seats, excited to see the story unfold on stage. I felt the same excitement, experiencing the magic for the first time as I brought my daughter to see this classic musical live.
Watching a familiar story performed live brings something special. The songs, characters, and scenes that have stayed with audiences for years feel new when real people bring them to life. This production exceeded my expectations and reminded me why Beauty and the Beast continues to captivate people of all ages.
Even before the show began, a touching moment set the tone. Angela Lansbury's voice as the narrator brought a wave of nostalgia and emotion to the audience. As the original voice of Mrs. Potts in Disney's animated film, she remains closely tied to this story. Her narration created a wonderful connection between the film and the live show, setting the mood for an evening full of memories, wonder, and a bit of magic.
The cast fully embraced their roles, especially Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle. She was the perfect choice, delivering a clear and bright vocal performance that stayed true to the Belle audiences know and love. She captured the warmth and spirit of a young woman dreaming of something more than her everyday life.
Fergie L. Philippe made the Beast feel real by focusing on movement and expression. Every gesture and line felt intentional, letting the character's personality and emotions shine through. He balanced the Beast's strong presence with the vulnerability that makes the character so likable.
Stephen Mark Lukas played Gaston with humor, confidence, and a big ego, making the character both entertaining and over-the-top. He understood the comedy in Gaston's self-importance and made every moment on stage count. His performance gave the audience plenty to enjoy and captured exactly what makes Gaston such a memorable villain.
The enchanted household was just as delightful. Danny Gardner was perfect as Lumiere, bringing the charming candlestick to life with his movements and voice. Every time he flickered his candles, the audience was reminded of the theatrical magic that makes the character so entertaining.
Javier Ignacio brought warmth and humor to Cogsworth, while Cameron Monroe Thomas gave Babette the playful and flirtatious energy the character needs. Christina Rose Hall was wonderful as Mrs. Potts, honoring the character's charm and also making the role her own.
Levi Blaise Coleman played Chip, and his scenes with Hall were truly adorable. Each time Hall and Coleman were on stage together, it warmed my heart. One of the sweetest moments came near the end, when the enchanted household became human again, and Mrs. Potts hugged Chip. Watching him run across the stage to embrace her brought happy tears to my eyes. It was a simple but powerful reminder that, beneath the costumes and spectacle, the heart of the story is about love and family.
The scenery, designed by Stanley A. Meyer, was beautiful and added depth to each musical number. The opening scene, where Belle walks through town and meets the villagers, stood out by setting the stage and showing off the production's visual detail and the ensemble's performance. Natasha Katz's lighting design enhanced the storytelling and worked perfectly with the illusions and video projections by Jim Steinmeyer and Darrel Maloney, creating a visually rich experience. The lighting added atmosphere, drama, and wonder. The wolf chase with Maurice was especially memorable and well done.
I have to praise Ann Hould-Ward for the beautiful costumes. They added extra magic, made the production more visually appealing, and gave each character a unique personality and energy. Babette's costumes stood out, capturing both the feather duster's identity and her playful, flirtatious side. The combination of costume design and Cameron Monroe Thomas's performance made Babette especially memorable. These thoughtful details brought the enchanted world of Beauty and the Beast to life, showing that costumes do more than dress the characters. They help tell the story.
Of course, Beauty and the Beast wouldn't be complete without its unforgettable music. The soundtrack is one of Disney's greatest strengths, and I was eager to see how the stage version would handle the famous songs. I wasn't disappointed. "Be Our Guest" was especially impressive, turning the stage into a lively, elaborate celebration like an old Hollywood musical. The choreography kept building, with new dance routines and lots of movement. The tap dance was a highlight, and the mix of choreography, lighting, scenery, and the theater's scale made the whole number truly unforgettable.
The song "Beauty and the Beast" was a moving moment, beautifully performed and delivering the romantic scene I had been waiting for. It made me cry, just as I expected. The Beast's "If I Can't Love Her" and Belle's "A Change in Me" also stood out, showing the characters' emotional depth and the power of the musical's storytelling. Every song added to the experience, tying together the story's humor, romance, and transformation.
This version of Beauty and the Beast is so enjoyable because it balances spectacle with real emotion. The detailed staging and choreography give the audience plenty to admire, while the actors make the characters feel genuine and believable. Long-time fans can revisit a familiar world, and younger audiences get to discover its magic for the first time.
As I left Popejoy Hall, I realized that some stories always have the power to make us smile, laugh, and cry. Seeing the wonder on the children's faces and sharing that moment with my daughter made the evening truly special.
If you want a show that brings excitement, nostalgia, beautiful music, and the kind of theatrical magic that stays with you long after the curtain falls, Beauty and the Beast is the one to see. You won't be disappointed.
Beauty and the Beast at Popejoy Hall runs October 14th-18th. Tickets are available at popejoypresents.com.
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