This production had dual casts in lead roles. In the interest of fairness to all, we reviewed both casts. Alan Shepley reviewed the Baguette cast and Allison Thomas reviewed the Croissant cast.
Baguette Cast
This July offering from Adelaide Theatre Academy is the Jr. version of “Beauty and the Beast”. It is a colourful, vibrant and delightfully costumed production presented on the main stage of the Goodwood Theatre complex. Deftly directed by Hannah Smith with a considered eye to both her cast and the intended audience it runs for an enjoyable and comfortable sixty five minutes. Movement throughout is energetic, simply devised and well directed by Choreographer Emma Dalton (with valuable support, no doubt, from Dance Captain Emma Devine). The Chorus of Villagers is pretty much always on the money per courtesy of MD Amelia Rooney. Overall the show hummed along very well with only the occasional minor annoyance concerning individual mic and sound levels causing any issue at all. Being the very first performance of ATA’s usual intensive four day run, teething problems are to be expected and they will certainly be ironed out as the short season unfolds. Overall the visual imagery projected from the stage was a pleasing feast for the eyes. I have already referenced costuming in this production and the combined effort by Sharon Malujlo and Leah Herderich is visually outstanding.
I saw the Baguette cast and there was much to be impressed with. The team of four narrators; Evie Jackson, Holly Sanderson, Tyson Hargroves and Violeta Isaza who, like a Greek Chorus, carry the narrative to us all, spoke up and out in an effective manner. Cues were picked up quickly and vocal qualities of crisp clear enunciation were evident from each actor. They were an effective part of the whole. I was equally taken by the three “Silly Girls”, Darcy Meathrel, Gwyneth Rumney and Pia Grund. Their sporadic input was always lively, always presented in time and always had an impact. They were a well rehearsed trio. Emma Devine (maybe not surprisingly!) was a graceful, gliding Babette whilst Lauren Thyer was a suitably regal and snooty Madame de la Grande Bouche. I did note that her “grande bouche” was more than capable of emitting the high notes! Emma Fisher, as Chip, buzzed about the stage as best as she might in her cup costume which she carried off to great effect. It was clear that her confidence increased as the play progressed and that she thoroughly enjoyed her role.
As Belle’s father Maurice, a notable village inventor and then captive in the Beast’s castle, Tabitha Victory adopted a suitably eccentric edge to her characterisation. I was certainly drawn to Mia Brown’s level of concentration she afforded her character, Mrs Potts. Her actions and reactions on stage were constantly in character and she spoke up and out to us with pleasing diction. Her solo reprise of “Beauty and the Beast” was an admirable rendition. I hope she considers a more substantial future role. The appropriately costumed couple, Lumiere and Cogsworth provided a strong focal point in the action. They played off each other very well indeed. Izzy Strelan illuminated the stage with good, strong vocals in both dialogue and musical numbers. She led a great rendition of “Be Our Guest” along with Cogsworth, Mrs Potts and Chip et al. Sam Kelman, as a most amusing Cogsworth, impressed me with both his facial expression and accompanying dialogue delivery. He has a natural sense of comic timing and delivery, and these attributes along with his ease of stage presence should propel him into many future roles.
Kristopher Sudaj was a notably obedient and deferential Lefou, a court jester at the command of Gaston. He played out his role in a performance which I considered both intelligent and thoughtful. His timing and pace of delivery was very good. His Master, Aled Yeoh was an excellent Gaston. He touted his “none too shy” persona about the stage with purpose and conviction. To his unending glee he constantly displayed the results of an obvious gymnasium addiction. Yeoh was delightfully brash in his vocal delivery and in his movement. His combination with Lefou in “Gaston” allowed him to use his powerful singing voice to great effect. He is yet another in this strong cast I am sure I will see again. Levi Seyfang mirrored a similar powerful performance as The Beast. He adopted just the right stance, manner and projected persona that, along with a most convincing vocal delivery, sold his “Beast” to his audience. His transformation back to a much more likeable Prince was a perfect contrast in character. Well done indeed.
Emma Sayers was a perfectly charming Belle. Once she ceased being immersed in the book she is reading at the start of the play she starts to weave herself into her role. She constructs a convincing portrayal of a young lady with a healthy mix of compassion coupled with personal conviction and courage. It is her stance against the insistent demands of the Beast, and all that he represents, that underlines the message within this tale. Whilst her initial song “Belle” seemed a tad tentative her vocals really rise to the occasion in the later song “Home” and again with the Beast and of all the others under the same spell in the optimistic “Something There”. Sayers delivered a notable key performance from which she will no doubt learn and build.
This is yet another ATA production with a doubling of many principal parts. That the company can field dual casts and have performance opportunities available for a significant number of young people is a very positive outcome. That this is also happening in other Youth companies across our City is a positive indicator for the future of theatre in all of its forms.
Croissant Cast
I saw the Croissant cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jnr.
Starting off a little quiet and timid as Belle, Kenisha Sivaram grew more confident into the role as the story progressed. From the shy bookworm village girl, she blossomed into a strong loving heroine, rising to the occasion.
Thomas Wake-Dyster was the misunderstood Beast, who raged in his spell-bound frustration, and was tamed by Belle’s stories, knowledge and wisdom, proving that can be found in many books, and that true beauty can be found within.
Henry Coyle played the arrogant over-confident Gaston with style and loud clear vocals, especially in his songs.
Luna Clear as Lefou, his side-kick, was energetic and supportive, clearly in admiration of his hero.
Charlotte Venning as Mrs Potts had a lovely nurturing presence and strong and clear voice.
The magic furniture, Lumiere, was played by Claire Saint, with gold glittery decadence and aplomb; Jack Wake-Dyster performed as the dithery clock Cogsworth; Scarlett Briggs was an over the top Madame De La Grande Bouche, and the classic French Maid, Babette was gently played by Alessia De Nitto. The little teacup – Chip was performed by Isla Barrett, as a support to Mrs Potts’ teapot.
We also appreciated the precise choreography and the rich costumes of the main actors. The audience clapped and cheered all the songs, and thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
Well done to all!
