Beauty and the Beast

The biggest stars of the show were not around to take a bow. Set designer and maker Bob Peet and costume maker James Worner deserved an ovation for the visual splendour they brought to this production.

Most delightful were the candles for Lumiere which ignited always on cue, the grand French chest of drawers for Madam De La Grande Bouche and the wind up clock for Cogsworth.

It is a costumier’s delight (or nightmare) to do this musical properly. If you can find or make the right set the audience is almost already over the line.

Getting the Strathfield Musical Society past “the line” was the tight, lush, grand orchestra under the baton of Brian Hughes and an enthusiastic well disciplined chorus.

With such a platform to shine on, it was no wonder that many experienced music theatre stars auditioned, including several with professional gigs under their belt.

Many of the cast from their production of The Phantom of Opera returned to take another bow.

The stand out performer was Lachlan O’Brien – Lumiere - who according to the program notes is a musician, magician and has two science degrees.

Others who showed their on stage pedigree included Gareth Davis (Lefou), Alejandra Blandino (Babette) and Melissa Stewart (Choreographer and Madame De La Grande Bouche).

Rebecca MacCallion was sweet as Belle and Haydn Allbutt (Beast) deserved a medal for performing in the thick hairy Beast costume, under the spotlight in a hall with no air conditioning.

Think of how much weight you can lose during a seven performance season.

David Spicer