Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast
Composer: Alan Menken. Lyricists: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice. Book by Linda Woolverton. Wyong Musical Theatre Company. Directed by Amanda Daniel; Musical Director, Suzanne Stein and choreography by Karen Ophel. 23 September - October 1, 2016

Back in 1992, a full nine years before the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences created the "Best Animated Feature" category, the animated movie version of this classic fairytale had the audacity to be nominated for "Best Picture" - alongside arguably the most diverse group of nominees in Oscars history:  JFK, Bugsy, Prince of Tides and the winner, Silence of the Lambs.

Bringing the pure magic, comedy and romance of the ground-breaking film to the stage is a big enough challenge for professional theatre companies, let alone for relatively small, community theatre group.  WMTC took to the challenge bravely indeed, considering this was only their second production in the new 500 seat Art House facility at Wyong.

By hiring their lavish sets and dazzling costumes from various sources and with the help of sensational lighting - the overall look and feel of this production was first rate and the diverse 50+ member cast brought the enthusiasm to match.

GMS regular Jade Draper added an undeniably soulful touch to the feisty Belle, demonstrating her impressive range with beautifully delivered ballads. She shared sincere on-stage chemistry with Morgan Lazaro - who in turn did well to balance the alternating belligerence and softness of The Beast without straying over the top.

Those much beloved, larger than life characters of Gaston, Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs Potts were all played with absolute relish by Matthew Lawrence, Scott Goodacre, Jamie Sturgess and Jillian Logan, respectively. Strong support from Duane Shore, Jessica Nader, Brooke Garvey, Mikayla Burnham and Thomas Sutherland (Maurice, Chip, Babette, Madame de la Grande Bouche and Lefou) rounds out a highly engaging principal cast.

A few technical issues with sound failed to distract from their affectionate characterisations.

The creative team, headed by Amanda Daniel, can feel justifiably encouraged by very healthy audience numbers for this season - auguring well for the future potential of a company that has endured it's share of struggles, but now continues to expand and evolve from year to year - a fitting testament to their hardy, long-standing core membership.

Rose Cooper

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.