From the story’s origins hundreds of years ago, to its transformation into the classic 1991 Disney film, Beauty and the Beast really is a tale as old as time. In its musical form, the production hasn’t been seen in Melbourne since the ’90s, when Hugh Jackman famously performed as Gaston in his first professional role.
Fast forward three decades and we’re once again seeing a Melbourne stage transformed into the provincial town and Baroque castle we know so well. Only this time round, the lavish set design is augmented with cleverly integrated digital screens. It’s just one of several updates that ensure this reimagined production of the beloved fairytale keeps up with the times.
From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this is a large-scale musical with all the belles, whistles and big bucks. Visual splendour is the MO here – think kaleidoscopic costumes, gasp-inducing illusions and spectacular lighting – and it’s easy to see why this show broke box office records at Brisbane’s QPAC.
However, all that Disney investment would be useless without the gifted cast. Shubshri Kandiah exudes whimsy-with-a-backbone as bookworm Belle, charming us with her sweet songs and sassy moments – though the folks in her provincial town just don’t get it.
Brendan Xavier’s beast is alternately ferocious and boyish. His startled squeals and hair-twirling moments help make Belle’s dramatic change in feelings a touch more believable. Both leads shine in their solo numbers, with Xavier’s ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ a highlight at the close of act one. Together, the pair take what is frankly a fragile foundation for a romance and conjure charisma, even as Belle tells the Beast he’s “being ridiculous” (and he really, really is).
Speaking of male characters who need gentle parenting, swing Rubin Matters stepped up to be a downright dislikeable Gaston on opening night. His smarmy antics, portrait kissing and polished ponytail provided the perfect foil for the Beast’s well-meaning messiness.
What Beauty and the Beast might lack in deep character development and healthy relationships, it more than makes up for in sheer spectacle and laughs. Melbourne local Rohan Browne burns bright as Lumiere, and we’re not talking about the real flames sparking from his arms. Fellow Melburnian Gareth Jacobs keeps the comedic cogs turning as Cogsworth, while the reunion between Mrs Potts (Jayde Westaby) and her little boy Chip (played on opening night by Zanda Wilkinson) in human form was one of the most emotional moments of the night.
Fairytale redemption arc aside, if there’s one thing you’ll remember from Beauty and the Beast, it’s the showstopping, no-holds-barred ensemble numbers. ‘Be Our Guest’ is an extended extravaganza that takes every musical theatre trope in the canon and blasts them out one by one. Just when you think it’s done, the musical-within-a-musical continues in a way that makes you wonder if half the budget was spent on this one song. The mid-show standing ovation the number received was unconventional, but we can’t say we blame those who rose to their feet.
Take your chance to see this classic while it’s in town. The narrative might be a little old fashioned, but in the words of Cogsworth, “If it’s not baroque, don’t fix it”.
Beauty and the Beast is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until December 29. The musical runs for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek.
