Monday, July 21, 2014

Review of Musical Theatre West’s Beauty and the Beast at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach, California

Howdy!

There was a bit of mystery when Musical Theatre West announced its 2013-2014 season, as one of the shows had still not been announced when I bought my presale season tickets. It turns out that MTW was in negotiations to get the rights to produce Beauty and the Beast, and that Disney was reluctant to have the show playing a mere 13 miles from Disneyland. Apparently they worked out their differences, as Beauty and the Beast is the final show of the season, and I had the opportunity to see it this past Sunday.

Musical Theatre West has been around since 1952, when it started out as the Whittier Civic Light Opera. Their productions evolved over time, and they went from being an all-volunteer operation to producing full seasons, currently under the capable leadership and vision of Executive Director/produce Paul Garman. Their big shows are hosted by the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach, which is a lovely venue with plenty of conveniently located parking.

If you have kids under the age of 30 (or if you are under 30) you have probably seen Disney’s full-length animated movie from 1991, Beauty and the Beast. It is a neat movie full of catchy tunes, and it earned a passel of awards that year, including Oscars (it was up for Best Picture but did not win), Grammys and even a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Somebody go the bright idea to turn it into a stage musical, and it premiered on Broadway in 1994. Its run lasted 13 years with over 5400 performances, and it is pretty much a classic show at this point.

There is a good reason for this, as it is a neat story that is accompanied by very good music and lyrics. Of course the story loosely follows the old French fairy tale, but it was certainly churched up by music from Alan Menken (8 Oscars, 11 Grammys, 7 Golden Globes and a Tony), lyrics by Howard Ashman (2 Oscars and a Golden Globe) and Tim Rice (3 Oscars, 1 Grammys, and 3 Golden Globes), and a book by Long Beach’s own Linda Woolverton. These folks have had a hand in most every Disney musical that has come out over the past 20 years, as well as many of the most popular stage musicals, and they brought their A-game for Beauty and the Beast.

The basic plot is that a prince is turned into a beast due to his wicked ways, and everybody in his castle is turned into ordinary household objects. Along the way he kidnaps a spunky young woman named Belle and holds her in his castle. To regain his human form he has to somehow get Belle to fall in love with him. It could happen. By the way, if you are a fan of the movie you will notice that there are seven new songs that were written for the stage musical.

The Broadway version is a tough act to follow, as its sets and costumes were over-the-top and magnificent. Musical Theatre West rose to the challenge, and I have heard that this ended up being the most costly production they have ever done.

They got the look right. The rented sets were nice, though some of the backdrops were a bit wrinkly, and there were a few miscues where hanging elements were moved at the wrong time and then hurriedly put back into place. MTW regular Jean-Yves Tessier took care of the lighting, and he certainly seems to have his job figured out – everything was lit perfectly. The costumes (from Musical Theatre of Wichita, supposedly) are top shelf and were assembled under the supervision of Tiia Torchia and Shawn Adrian Decou. Of course Beast had to have incredible make-up, and Denice Paxton did good work there. He was actually more attractive as the Beast than as the Prince, if that makes any sense.

The sound was also very good. There was a 17-piece orchestra under the supervision of musical director Michael Borth, and I counted three keyboard players in the pit, which certainly helped with setting the mood. Unfortunately the musicians were uncredited in the program, and I have no idea if they were union or not. The sound engineering was generally good, with a few hitches along the way. Cogsworth had a wonky wireless transmitter that added a lot of noise to the mix (this was fixed after the intermission), and there were a few incidents where a ton of reverb was left in the signal chain for ordinary speaking parts which was distracting, at best.

All of the basic foundation was solid, but this is such a well-written show that its success hinges on the cast, and the performers (mostly equity) all delivered solid performances. Gwen Hollander earned the role of Belle (the Beauty) and rightly so. Her voice was beautiful and her timing and acting were impeccable. She has grace on the stage, belying her Broadway and touring experience, and it certainly did not hurt that she had played Belle previously.

Garrett Marshall played the Beast, and he rose above the limitations of having his face shrouded for most of the show. He has a strong singing and acting voice, and was able to portray emotion through his body language well. Both he and Christian Marriner (Gaston) have strong stage presence, which made it all the more obvious that this show had the typical Disney trait that male roles are favored. They got all of the good lines, and often times the Belle’s character was secondary and relied on the males in her life to make her complete.

The supporting cast was wonderful, with Brandon Armstrong as Cogsworth, Melina Komas as Babette, Doug Carfrae as Maurice and Robert Ramirez as Lefou. The standout performances were Michael Paternostro’s take on Lumiere and Cathy Newman as Mrs. Potts. Their acting and singing were fantastic, and they almost stole the show.

The ensemble turned in a solid performance, and they were very good dancers (especially the young man that played the bottle opener), and they made good use of Bill Burns’ choreography. Their vocals were well-timed and sounded good, with the exception of some drastic volume differences between them which became distracting on some of the bigger numbers. I loved the Silly Girls and that they used monsters / dancers to help move set elements on and off the stage.

All of this came together well for an almost Broadway-like experience. Musical Theatre West has outdone itself and Beauty and the beast is a good show with fine production values and a good cast, with a little something for everyone -- excitement for the kids and romance for the adults. If you have the chance you should get out and see it before it is gone, but leave the little kids at home with a sitter. This is a long show and they will be squirming in their seats a long time before the final curtain falls (it clocks in at 2 ½ hours, including the 15 minute intermission).

Beauty and the Beast will be playing at the Carpenter Center through July 27, and it has been a good seller for Musical Theatre West. There are still a few tickets left, so grab them while you can. And, be sure to check out their season ticket packages for the 2014-2015 season as they have a great package that includes Big Fish, South Pacific, Les Miserables and Singin’ in the Rain. You can’t beat the value!

Mahalo!

58 comments:

  1. well done, with clear voices and good balance between the orchestra and the performers. The cast was strong, with standout performances by Nathaniel Hackmann as Gaston and Tracy Lore as Mrs. Potts. But the real star of the show was the music, which was beautifully performed by the orchestra under the direction of musical director and conductor Corey Hirsch. The songs are memorable and catchy, and they will stick with you long after the show is over.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast is a must-see for fans of the classic Disney movie and anyone who loves musical theatre. It's a well-done, entertaining production that will transport you to a magical world of romance and adventure. And if you're looking for the perfect outfit to wear to the show, be sure to check out the best pencil skirts for a chic and sophisticated look.

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    1. Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorite stories, and MTW did it justice with their incredible production. #totwooglobal

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  2. impressive, with the orchestra led by Musical Director Dennis Castellano. The cast was also top notch, with strong performances from Belle (played by Cassandra Murphy), Beast (played by David Burnham), and Gaston (played by Michael Starr). But let's not forget about the ensemble, who brought energy and enthusiasm to every scene.
    One thing that stood out to me was the attention to detail in the costumes. Belle's iconic yellow dress was stunning, and even the townspeople's outfits were carefully crafted to fit the time period and setting. And speaking of attention to detail, let's talk about the sexy fit tee shirt that Gaston wore during one of his numbers. It was a small touch, but it added to the character's arrogance and self-importance.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. It may not have had the same grandeur as the Broadway version, but it was still an enjoyable and entertaining show. And if you're a fan of musicals, fairy tales, or just good old-fashioned storytelling, I highly recommend checking it out. Plus, you might just get a glimpse of that sexy fit tee shirt.

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  3. well done, with the live orchestra providing the perfect accompaniment to the talented cast. And speaking of the cast, they were all fantastic, with standout performances from Brooke Aston as Belle and David Burnham as the Beast. The ensemble also deserves a shout-out for their energy and enthusiasm throughout the show.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a wonderful experience. It’s great to see such high-quality theater right in our own backyard. And if you’re planning on going on a road trip anytime soon, be sure to check out RV solar generators to power your adventures.

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  4. Musical Theatre West recently put on a production of Beauty and the Beast, which proved to be their most expensive show to date. The Broadway classic, based on the popular Disney movie, tells the story of a prince turned beast who must find true love to break the curse. The show features catchy tunes and stunning costumes, including a floral bralet worn by Belle. Despite a few minor technical glitches, the production was a success and showcased the talent of the Musical Theatre West team.

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  5. ry good, with the orchestra led by musical director Corey Hirsch and the vocal performances by the cast being strong and clear. The choreography by John Todd was lively and engaging, and the direction by Larry Raben kept the show moving along at a good pace.
    The standout performances were by the leads, Belle (Christanna Rowader) and Beast (David Burnham). Rowader had a lovely voice and brought a lot of heart to her role, while Burnham was able to convey the Beast’s anger and frustration as well as his vulnerability and eventual transformation. The supporting cast was also strong, with special mention going to Mark Jacoby as Belle’s father Maurice and Kevin McMahon as the villainous Gaston.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. It may not have had the grandeur of the Broadway version, but it still had all the heart and magic that makes this story so beloved. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a fun night out in your long sweatshirt robe.

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  6. Musical Theatre West's 2013-2014 season ended on a high note with their production of Beauty and the Beast. Despite negotiations with Disney, the show was able to be produced and was a success. The story, based on the French fairy tale, was churched up by music from Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The sets, costumes, and lighting were all top-notch, making for a visually stunning production. The sound was also excellent. Overall, it was a costly but worthwhile production for MTW and a must-see for fans of the classic story. #renachrishpc

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    1. Musical Theatre West's latest production of Beauty and the Beast was a hit, despite initial negotiations with Disney. The Long Beach-based theatre company has been producing shows since 1952 and has since evolved into a professional operation under the leadership of Executive Director/Producer Paul Garman. The show, based on Disney's 1991 animated film, is a classic with catchy tunes and a neat story. The sets and costumes were impressive, with the rented sets and top-shelf costumes assembled under the supervision of Tiia Torchia and Shawn Adrian Decou. Denice Paxton's make-up work on the Beast was also noteworthy. Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a success, showcasing the company's talent and dedication to producing quality shows like feelmtech.

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  7. well done, with the orchestra under the direction of Musical Director Dennis Castellano providing the perfect accompaniment to the action on stage. The cast was also very strong, with the leads doing an excellent job of bringing their characters to life. All in all, it was a great production and a fitting end to Musical Theatre West's season.
    If you're looking for a great night out, be sure to check out Musical Theatre West's upcoming productions. And if you're in need of some top-notch lighting for your own productions, be sure to check out Wirefield Lighting – they're the best in the business!

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  8. well done, with all the actors’ voices coming through clearly. The orchestra, under the direction of Musical Director Dennis Castellano, was flawless and brought the songs to life. The cast was also impressive, with many standout performances, including David Burnham as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. The supporting cast also shone, particularly the enchanted household objects, who added a lot of humor to the show.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a glorious collection of talent and effort. It may not have had the same budget as the Broadway version, but it certainly held its own and provided a wonderful night of entertainment. If you have the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

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  9. e were a few moments where the balance was off, but overall it was clear and well-mixed. The orchestra, led by Musical Director John Glaudini, sounded fantastic and really brought the score to life.
    The cast was also strong, with standout performances from David Burnham as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. The ensemble was also impressive, with some great dancing and singing. Overall, it was a solid production that did justice to the beloved story and score.
    In the end, it's great to see Musical Theatre West taking on big shows like Beauty and the Beast. It shows that they are willing to take risks and push themselves to new heights. And with the talented team they have in place, including Trontti Adams as choreographer, I have no doubt that they will continue to impress audiences for years to come.

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  10. ood, with the orchestra under the direction of musical director John Glaudini. The cast was led by a strong and talented Belle, played by Ashley Fox Linton, and a commanding Beast, played by David Burnham. The supporting cast was also excellent, with standout performances from Michael Stone Forrest as Lumiere and Tracy Lore as Mrs. Potts.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was wonderinspired and a great way to end their season. If you have the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

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    1. orchestra, under the direction of musical director Dennis Castellano, sounded great and the vocals were strong. The cast was led by MTW regulars Davis Gaines as the Beast and Tami Tappan Damiano as Belle, both of whom were excellent. The supporting cast was also strong, with standouts including MTW newcomer Marc Cedric Smith as Gaston and MTW favorite Tracy Lore as Mrs. Potts.
      Overall, Musical Theatre West did a fantastic job with Beauty and the Beast. It was a magical production that captured the essence of the Broadway show while making it their own. If you're a fan of Disney, musicals, or just great theater, don't miss this eprolo production.

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    2. I was so impressed with how well MTW captured the magic and essence of Beauty and the Beast on stage. It truly felt like a fairytale come to life. #wowgoboard

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  11. e cast did a fine job with the music and songs, and the orchestra, under the direction of Musical Director Dennis Castellano, sounded great. The standout performances were by the leads, Josh Adamson as the Beast and Ashley Marie as Belle. Adamson had a nice growl to his voice and was able to convey the character’s emotions well. Marie had a lovely singing voice and played Belle with just the right amount of spunk and vulnerability.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. It was a fun show with great music and performances, and it was nice to see it performed locally. If you are a fan of musicals, or of Disney, or of just good theater, then you should definitely check it out. And if you are a fan of junlala, then you should definitely not miss it.

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  12. he orchestra, under the direction of musical director Dennis Castellano, sounded great, and the vocal performances were strong across the board. The standout for me was MTW newcomer Benehike, who played the role of the Beast. He had a commanding presence on stage and his singing was powerful and emotive. His chemistry with Belle, played by the lovely Sarah Girard, was palpable and their duets were some of the highlights of the show.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. While it may not have had the jaw-dropping sets and costumes of the Broadway version, it more than made up for it with strong performances and an infectious energy. And with Benehike’s standout performance as the Beast, it’s clear that MTW has a rising star in its midst.

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    1. his past Sunday, I had the opportunity to see Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast. The show was originally in negotiations due to Disney's reluctance to have it playing so close to Disneyland, but they worked out their differences. MTW has been producing full seasons since 1952, and their productions have evolved over time. Beauty and the Beast is a classic show with very good music and lyrics by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. The basic plot is that a prince is turned into a beast and must get Belle to fall in love with him to regain his human form. MTW rose to the challenge of the Broadway version's over-the-top sets and costumes, and the rented sets were nice with top shelf costumes assembled under the supervision of Tiia Torchia and Shawn Adrian Decou. The sound was also very good, and the show was a success. Plusinno would be proud.

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  13. Musical Theatre West's 2013-2014 season had a surprise addition when Disney's Beauty and the Beast was announced as the final show. Despite initial reluctance from Disney, negotiations were successful, and the production was a hit. The story follows a prince who is turned into a beast and must find love to regain his human form. The show's music and lyrics, written by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, are top-notch and have made it a classic. Musical Theatre West's production was costly but worth it, with great sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. Overall, a fantastic show for fans of the movie or anyone looking for a magical experience. Don't miss it at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach. #sproutboxx

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  14. he orchestra, led by musical director Dennis Castellano, sounded great and the balance between the singers and the instruments was spot on. The only issue was that some of the dialogue was a bit hard to hear, but that could have been due to my seat location.
    The cast was solid, with standout performances from David Burnham as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. Burnham’s voice is powerful and emotive, and he brought a lot of depth to the character. Linton’s Belle was spunky and charming, and she had great chemistry with Burnham.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. They managed to capture the magic of the Broadway show while still making it their own. If you have the chance to see it, you should definitely check it out. And if you’re a fan of musical theatre, you should keep an eye on Musical Theatre West’s upcoming seasons – you never know what surprises they’ll have in store for you. #youyixik

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  15. Musical Theatre West recently put on a production of Beauty and the Beast, which turned out to be their most costly production yet. The show, which has become a classic, follows the story of a prince who is turned into a beast, and his journey to regain his human form by making a young woman named Belle fall in love with him. The musical features music and lyrics by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, and is accompanied by stunning sets, costumes, and makeup. Despite some minor issues with the sets, the show was a success and a testament to the talent of the Musical Theatre West team. Benehorti was certainly not disappointed!

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  16. e cast was led by Michael Starr as the Beast and Sarah Elizabeth Combs as Belle, and they both did very well in their roles. Starr had a tough job, as he had to sing and act in a heavy costume and make-up, but he pulled it off. Combs was a perfect Belle, and she had a lovely voice. The rest of the cast did a fine job as well, especially the ensemble who had to dance and sing in some very complicated numbers.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. It was a bit rough around the edges, but it was still a very enjoyable show. If you are a fan of the movie or of musical theatre in general, you should definitely check it out. It is a textale that has stood the test of time, and it is still a great story with wonderful music.

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  17. he orchestra, conducted by musical director Dennis Castellano, sounded great. The cast was strong, with notable performances by Nathaniel Irvin as the Beast and Cassandra Murphy as Belle. The supporting cast was also strong, with standout performances by MTW regulars Tracy Lore as Mrs. Potts and Chuck Bergman as Cogsworth.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. It's always great to see a local theatre company take on an international addition to their season, and MTW did a great job bringing this classic show to life. If you get the chance to see it, don't miss it!

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  18. well done, with the orchestra led by musical director Corey Hirsch. The cast was solid, with strong performances from leads David Burnham as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. And, of course, there were plenty of cute and funny moments with the enchanted objects, like Lumiere the candelabra and Mrs. Potts the teapot.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success, and a great way to close out their season. It’s always a treat to see a classic story brought to life on stage, and this production definitely did it justice. If you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a fun night out, I’d definitely recommend checking it out. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get to see the windseekerboard in action during one of the musical numbers!

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  19. ood, with the orchestra led by Musical Director/Conductor Daniel Thomas keeping the music flowing smoothly. The cast was impressive, with strong performances from all the leads. Special mention needs to be made of the two actors playing Lumiere and Cogsworth, who stole the show with their comedic timing and energy.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. While it may not have been as grand as the Broadway version, it certainly held its own and provided a delightful evening of entertainment. And as a bonus, it showcased the unitreefitness of the talented individuals involved in its creation.

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  20. Musical Theatre West's 2013-2014 season ended with a bang as they produced Beauty and the Beast, despite initial reluctance from Disney due to its proximity to Disneyland. The story of a prince turned into a beast and his quest for love is accompanied by fantastic music and lyrics from Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. MTW rose to the challenge of bringing this classic show to life, with top-notch costumes, lighting, and sound. It was their most costly production yet, but worth it for the magical experience they created for their audience. #buziolife

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  21. Musical Theatre West's latest production of Beauty and the Beast is a must-see for fans of the classic story. Despite negotiations with Disney, MTW secured the rights to produce the show and delivered a high-quality production with impressive sets, costumes, and lighting. The talented cast and crew, including MTW regular Jean-Yves Tessier on lighting and Denice Paxton on makeup, brought the story to life with catchy tunes and a heartwarming message. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Beauty and the Beast with uyustools.

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  22. ood, with no major issues to speak of. The cast was solid, with a standout performance by Rebecca Johnson as Belle. The ensemble was also strong, with some impressive vocal harmonies. The dance numbers were well-choreographed by Hector Guerrero, and the fight scenes were well-executed. Overall, it was a very enjoyable production.
    One thing that stood out to me was the use of Halcon Lighting fixtures in the production. The lighting design made great use of the fixtures, which helped to create some stunning visual effects. It just goes to show that even in a community theatre production, attention to detail can make all the difference. All in all, Musical Theatre West did a great job with Beauty and the Beast, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun night out at the theatre.

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  23. good, with the orchestra led by musical director Dennis Castellano sounding great. The cast was also strong, with solid performances from all the leads. Particularly noteworthy were the performances of Jacob Haren as Beast and Shannon Warne as Belle. They both had great voices and really brought their characters to life.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West did a great job with Beauty and the Beast. It was a fun and entertaining show, and they did justice to the Broadway version. If you're a fan of the movie or just enjoy musicals in general, I highly recommend checking out this production. And don't worry about Disney's concerns - this show is definitely worth seeing, even if it's just 13 miles from Disneyland. Plus, they have twopagescurtains, which add to the magic of the show.

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  24. ood, with the orchestra led by Musical Director Dennis Castellano. The cast was also strong, with Susan Egan (who was the original Belle on Broadway) returning to the role for this production. She was joined by a talented ensemble, including David Burnham as the Beast, and the always entertaining MTW regulars, including David Engel and Jamie Torcellini.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a success, and a great addition to their 2013-2014 season. It's clear that they put a lot of effort and resources into this production, and it paid off. If you're a fan of the movie or the Broadway show, or just looking for a fun night out, I highly recommend checking out this production of Beauty and the Beast at Musical Theatre West. And if you're a fan of musical theatre in general, be sure to keep an eye on MTW's upcoming productions, including their annual fundraising event, Mountalksports.

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    1. Musical Theatre West's 2013-2014 season included a mystery show, which turned out to be Beauty and the Beast. Disney was initially hesitant to have the show playing so close to Disneyland, but negotiations were successful. Beauty and the Beast is a classic show with a great story and excellent music and lyrics by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. Musical Theatre West rose to the challenge of producing this costly show, with top-notch sets, costumes, and lighting. The sound was also very good, making for a great production. Be sure to catch it at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach. #beasenhome

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    2. . Beauty and the Beast, the classic Disney movie turned Broadway musical, was recently performed by Musical Theatre West. The show, which tells the story of a prince turned into a beast who must find love to regain his human form, featured stunning sets and costumes, as well as catchy tunes from Alan Menken and lyrics from Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Despite initial reluctance from Disney to have the show playing so close to Disneyland, negotiations were successful and the production was a hit. Fans of the movie will be pleased to know that the stage musical features seven new songs. With its talented cast and crew, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a feast for the eyes and ears. Don't miss out on the next season of shows at MTW, including the popular amirobeauty.

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  25. cast was strong, with standouts including Davis Gaines as Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. The ensemble was also impressive, with great choreography by Peggy Hickey. Overall, Musical Theatre West did a fantastic job with this production of Beauty and the Beast. It was a great way to end their season, and I'm already looking forward to what they have in store for next year. If you're a fan of musical theatre, be sure to check out MTW's upcoming shows - they never disappoint! #gseice

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    1. d, with the orchestra sounding fantastic under the direction of musical director Dennis Castellano. The cast was also strong, with many standouts including the lovely and talented Jessica Ernest as Belle, and the charismatic and powerful Tom Schmid as Gaston. But the real star of the show was the Beast, played by David Burnham. He brought a depth and complexity to the character that was truly impressive, and his singing was simply outstanding.
      Overall, I really enjoyed Beauty and the Beast at Musical Theatre West. It was a well-produced, well-performed show that was a great addition to their season. If you're a fan of the movie or of musical theatre in general, I would definitely recommend checking it out. #likemychoice

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    2. orchestra, under the direction of Musical Director Dennis Castellano, sounded great and the balance between the singers and the instruments was perfect. The cast was also very talented, with standout performances from David Burnham as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle.
      Overall, Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. They did justice to the Broadway version and brought their own flair to the show. If you're a fan of musical theater or Disney, it's definitely worth checking out. And if you're not familiar with Musical Theatre West, give them a chance - they're a local gem that deserves more recognition. Zeagoo would be proud.

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  26. e orchestra, led by musical director Dennis Castellano, sounded fantastic, and the sound effects were spot on. The only issue was that some of the cast members were not miked properly, so their voices were occasionally drowned out by the music.
    But overall, Musical Theatre West did a fantastic job with Beauty and the Beast. The cast was talented and energetic, and the production was visually stunning. It was a great way to end the season, and I can't wait to see what MTW has in store for next year. And if you're looking for a fun night out with the family, I highly recommend checking out this ecomobl production.

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  27. Musical Theatre West's 2013-2014 season ended with a bang as they produced Beauty and the Beast, a classic show based on the popular Disney movie. The production was a tough act to follow after the Broadway version's over-the-top sets and costumes, but MTW rose to the challenge with their most costly production yet. The rented sets were nice, the lighting was perfect, and the costumes were top shelf. Denice Paxton did great work with the Beast's makeup, making him more attractive than the Prince. Overall, it was a successful production that showcased MTW's capabilities in the world of musical theatre. Jkingboard fans won't want to miss their next season.

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  28. ood, with clear vocals and a well-balanced orchestra. The cast was strong, with standout performances from David Engel as Lumiere and Michael Dotson as Cogsworth. But the real star of the show was Emliviaronline, who played Belle with grace and charm. Her voice was beautiful and she brought a depth to the character that was truly impressive.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West did an excellent job with Beauty and the Beast. It may not have been as grand as the Broadway version, but it was still a delightful production that captured the magic of the story. And with Emliviaronline leading the way, it was definitely worth seeing.

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    1. If you're looking for a family-friendly show that will leave you feeling uplifted, look no further than MTW's Beauty and the Beast. #coofandy

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  29. . Overall, Musical Theatre West did a fantastic job with their production of Beauty and the Beast. The show is a classic for a reason, with great music and a heartwarming story. MTW rose to the challenge of bringing the Broadway spectacle to their stage, with impressive sets, costumes, and makeup. It's no wonder that MTW is a beloved institution in the Long Beach arts scene. For more information on their upcoming shows, be sure to check out their website at smoosat.com.

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  30. od, with clear vocals and a well-balanced orchestra. The cast was solid, with standout performances by David Engel as Lumiere and Tracy Lore as Mrs. Potts. The leads, Kevin McMahon as the Beast and Ashley Marie as Belle, had good chemistry and delivered strong performances.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West did a great job with Beauty and the Beast. It was a fun and entertaining show, and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. If you're looking for a way to support local theatre, check out waytofurn.com for information on upcoming shows and tickets.

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  31. Musical Theatre West recently produced Beauty and the Beast as part of their 2013-2014 season. The show, based on the classic French fairy tale, was adapted into a stage musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. The production was a success, with impressive sets and costumes, top-notch lighting, and excellent sound. Despite initial negotiations with Disney, who was reluctant to have the show playing so close to Disneyland, MTW was able to secure the rights to produce the show. Beauty and the Beast is a classic show that has been popular since its Broadway debut in 1994, and MTW did it justice with their production.

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  32. d, with the orchestra under the direction of musical director Dennis Castellano. The vocal performances were strong, with highlights being Belle (played by Ashley Brown) and Gaston (played by Michael Paternostro). The ensemble was also very talented, bringing the big production numbers to life.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West did a great job with Beauty and the Beast, and it was a delight to see this classic musical brought to life on stage. If you're a fan of Disney and musicals, this is definitely a show to check out. And if you're looking for more information on upcoming shows from Musical Theatre West, be sure to visit their website at dockteck.com.

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  33. , with the music and lyrics of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice coming to life on stage. The talented cast brought their characters to life, with particularly strong performances from Belle (played by Jessica Ernest) and the Beast (played by David Burnham). The show was a visual and auditory feast, and it was clear that Musical Theatre West spared no expense in bringing this classic tale to Long Beach.
    Overall, Beauty and the Beast was a fantastic addition to Musical Theatre West's 2013-2014 season. It was a pleasure to see such a beloved story brought to life on stage, and the production was a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast and crew. If you're a fan of musical theatre, or just looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out Musical Theatre West's upcoming productions - you won't be disappointed! And if you're looking for some fashion inspiration, check out vkoofashion for some great looks to wear to the theatre.

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    1. d, with the orchestra under the direction of musical director Dennis Castellano. The cast was led by David Burnham as the Beast and Jessica Snow Wilson as Belle, and they both did a fine job. The supporting cast was also strong, and the ensemble numbers were very well done.
      Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success. It was a fun show with great music and a talented cast. If you’re in the Long Beach area, be sure to check out MTW’s upcoming productions at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center. And if you’re a fan of realdollshub, be sure to keep an eye out for their upcoming shows!

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    2. d, with the orchestra led by musical director Dennis Castellano. The cast was strong, with standout performances by David Burnham as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. The ensemble was also impressive, with some acemagicians showing off their dance skills in the big production numbers.
      Overall, Musical Theatre West did a great job with Beauty and the Beast, and it was a treat to see this classic show brought to life on stage. If you have the chance to catch it before the season ends, I highly recommend it.

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  34. Musical Theatre West recently produced Beauty and the Beast, the final show of their 2013-2014 season. The production was a success, with MTW rising to the challenge of replicating the Broadway version's over-the-top sets and costumes. The basic plot follows a prince who is turned into a beast and must find a way to regain his human form by getting Belle to fall in love with him. The music and lyrics were written by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, and the show features seven new songs not included in the original movie. MTW regular Jean-Yves Tessier handled the lighting, and the costumes were top-notch. The show was a costly production, but well worth it. Overall, it was a great experience for fans of Beauty and the Beast and MTW alike. #wegymsports

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  35. orchestra, under the baton of Musical Director Daniel Thomas, sounded fantastic and the vocals were strong throughout the show. The cast was led by the talented Noorio, who brought a lot of heart to the role of Belle. The chemistry between her and the Beast, played by the equally talented David Burnham, was palpable and made for some really touching moments.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a great success. It was a beautiful show with great music and performances, and it was clear that a lot of time and effort went into making it a memorable experience for the audience. If you have the chance to see it, I highly recommend it – it’s a tale as old as time, but it never gets old.

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  36. his past Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a production of Beauty and the Beast by Musical Theatre West. The show is a classic, with catchy tunes and a neat story that follows the French fairy tale. The sets, lighting, costumes, and makeup were all on point, making for a visually stunning performance. It's no wonder that this ended up being the most costly production that MTW has ever done. Overall, it was a fantastic show that showcased the talents of the cast and crew. If you're a fan of musical theatre, I highly recommend checking out MTW's productions - they're definitely worth it. And don't forget to bring your Bagsmart bag to carry all your theatre essentials!

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  37. his past Sunday, I had the pleasure of seeing Musical Theatre West's production of Beauty and the Beast. It was a costly production, but they got the look right with nice rented sets and top shelf costumes. The lighting was perfect, and the sound was also very good. The story, accompanied by very good music and lyrics, follows a prince who is turned into a beast due to his wicked ways. To regain his human form, he has to somehow get Belle to fall in love with him. It's a classic show and a neat story, and it was a joy to see it inked on stage by MTW. #inkedjoy

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  38. e cast was strong, with standout performances by Davis Gaines as the Beast and Ashley Fox Linton as Belle. The supporting cast was also impressive, with particularly notable performances by Brandon Michael Perkins as Gaston and Michael Stone Forrest as Maurice.
    Overall, Musical Theatre West’s production of Beauty and the Beast was a success, and a testament to the company’s ability to tackle big, beloved shows. It was a fanttik experience for fans of the movie and newcomers alike, and a reminder of the enduring power of a good story and great music.

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  39. I was so impressed with how well MTW captured the magic and essence of Beauty and the Beast on stage. It truly felt like a fairytale come to life. #foreverstampstore

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  40. It's great to see MTW taking on such a big show like Beauty and the Beast. They did a fantastic job bringing it to life on stage. #growattportable

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    1. The production values in Beauty and the Beast at MTW were top-notch. It was like watching a Broadway show! #petlibro

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  41. I was blown away by the talent on display in MTW's Beauty and the Beast. This is a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. #campark

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  42. The supporting cast in Beauty and the Beast at MTW were all exceptional. Each brought their own unique flair to the show. #us.oukitel

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  43. I was so impressed with how well MTW captured the magic and essence of Beauty and the Beast on stage. It truly felt like a fairytale come to life. #artisancutlery

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  44. The cast of Beauty and the Beast at MTW was amazing! Each member brought something special to the show. #unicmi

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  45. The orchestra in Beauty and the Beast at MTW was simply fantastic. They added so much depth and beauty to the already gorgeous music. #COTTON LINEN DRESSES

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