Be Their Guest Before the Last Petal Falls…By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel
Chicago Shakespeare’s production of the classic “Beauty and The Beast” is seventy-five minutes of pure enchantment. The very innovative sets and projections are extremely well done, especially a magical moment when Belle’s dinner is served. “Be Our Guest” features adorable dancing utensils and plates with a rose motif – the great choreography and direction of Amber Mak is once again spot on. Transitions between the provincial village and castle are done with precise ease. The props are well placed with the attention to detail that we have come to expect from this world class theater.
The music and vocals are simply fabulous – we even got a peek at the amazing instrumentalists during the curtain call. This very magical production breaks the fourth wall with ease, actors entering and exiting through the aisles, bringing the audience into the action. I saw many a miniature princess in the audience made wide eyed by the exciting extravaganza, including the adorable six year old in our party, complete with her pretty Belle dress on. Adults are equally enthralled by this beautiful show.
The entire cast is superb. Making a stellar Chicago Shakes debut, from Baldwin Wallace University, is the very lovely Audrey Hare as Belle. Her voice is as gorgeous as she is, and her characterization has the right amount of spunk. An offstage moment using just her speaking voice is full of verve. The beast, played by Jason Michael Evans, is believable and never overly frightening. Even in full mask and costume, he is endearing and humourous. Gaston is brought to life by David Sajewich, and he is simply sublime, the right blend of arrogance and comedy. Gaston’s sidekick Le Fou (Sam Linda) gives a very realistic performance with great characterization.
Mrs. Potts, portrayed by Rebecca Prescott, is both credible, especially her mannerisms, and larger than life, full of stage presence. Harriet Nzinga Plumpp (Madame de la Grande Bouche), always a class act, is feisty and funny, whether extracting drawers from her drawers or fighting the bad guys, and channeling a little Jo Anne Worley along the way. Evie Hsu and Layla Joan are the two charming and talented young ladies that share the role of Chip and the young prince. Christopher Kale Jones’ Lumiere shines in a flawless performance – he alone is worth the price of admission, with moments such as his emphatic encouragement of the Beast to dance with Belle. James Earl Jones II is a magnificent Cogsworth. His comedy timing is impeccable, his delivery is superb, and his performance goes off like, well, clockwork.
He can play any character with ease and aplomb. I simply can not say enough good things about Michael Kingston; he takes the role of “crazy” old Maurice to new levels. I have had the pleasure of seeing many marvelous portrayals of Belle’s dad over the years, and Mr. Kingston is the best onstage Maurice that I have witnessed. He does not fall into the stereotypical trap that often occurs when an actor has the arduous job of playing an eccentric. Michael makes his character credible, a bit off the wall but with intellect and reasonability, an older gentleman and loving father. His moments alone onstage stand out with significance and vulnerability.
This musical is a must-see with clear messages that being different is absolutely fine, reading is fundamental, and hope is never really lost, which resound in this first rate theatrical work. If you can only see one play this summer, make it Chicago Shakespeare’s “Beauty and the Beast”. Audience members even get to meet and greet performers in costume after each show, and there’s a backdrop in the lobby, complete with magic rose, for pictures with your own little royals. So before the last rose petal falls August 20th, be their guest at the castle on Navy Pier. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit www.chicagoshakes.com. Maya Rowe (Babette) is one of my favorite Chicago actresses. Beautiful, versatile, and able.
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