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Disney's Beauty and the Beast
by Doug Fordyce's Kids On Stage  Great
costumes...CHECKFun choreography....Check Teamwork between kids ages 6 to 17...Check Beautiful voices...Check And Wonderful overall production...Check It must be a Kids on Stage production in St. Joseph, Michigan. Doug Fordyce takes every young actor/actress who signs up and makes them a vital part of every play I have had the distinct pleasure of watching. Beauty and the Beast was no different. The play starts with the staging of our 4 narrators telling the story while the Prince and the Enchantress dramatically yet silently act out the scene of how he became a beast. Throughout the play the narrators play a nice role of tying various parts together. Ages 6 to 17 acted, danced, and sang their way into the hearts of the audience on November 5, 6, and 7, 2010. The choreography helped to make each student in each scene important whether in the village, the tavern, the castle or the forest. During the first scene we begin to see the wonderful acting and singing abilities of Belle played by Alyson Snyder as she skips through town greeting everyone while Gaston, played by Stuart Coulston, desperately tries to get her attention. The choreography continues to mesmerize as we see poor Maurice (Craig Wells) attacked by wolves with glowing red eyes. This scene particularly grabbed my attention with the unique choreography of dance and fighting combined, as well as later when the wolves return with their graceful moves to attack Belle and the Beast. Not to mention the castle scenes, watching the candle, clock, a teapot, silverware, dishes, etc. dance, displaying Megan Roth’s brilliance as a choreographer. As the play progresses we begin to see the true talent that each student has. Even the “Silly Girls” are not silly when it comes to their abilities. They are wonderful when they swoon and sing for Gaston. Their voices blend perfectly and the costumes are brightly colored, which just adds more pizzazz to their characters played by Hannah Davis, Sarah Green, C.J. Smith, and Katie Wright. Gaston won my heart with his tremendous singing voice as well and his wonderful characterization of the character. Lefou, played by Maddie Blaney, keeps up Gaston's spirits and has fantastic facial expressions as she tries to help him win back his own confidence with her singing in the tavern scene. Slowly but surely, Gaston is himself again and ready to plot his next dastardly plan to win Belle.  Meanwhile, at the castle, we
discover about all the great talent found amongst the furnishings. Lumiere (Patrick
Hill) and Cogsworth (Gavin Clarke) are wonderful comic relief in the emotional and scary castle. Their voices are fabulous and strong when singing, and they each have priceless facial expressions throughout the play. This play would
not have been the same without these two teens. But the talent in the castle definitely doesn't end there.
Savannah Lents as Mrs. Potts has an operatic voice and her friendly disposition and motherly actions towards the adorable Chip
(Carmen Smith) and the rest of the “family” in the castle is very real.
Samantha Randall, who played Madame de la Grande Bouche, also has an amazing opera voice and
harmonizes very well when the group sings together. Babette, played by Grace Smith,
adds some much needed playfulness in the castle, and the statues and other dancers add more atmosphere and life.The Beast, Mitch Conrad, makes you truly believe he is an animal. He jumps into seats and eats like a dog, he is grumpy and has to keep remembering his manners. But as he gets to know the beautiful (inside and out) Belle, he softens. All of this develops very naturally. You feel like you are watching a true love story. More talent is shown as the beast sings and Belle does as well. Their voices are superb. I am not sure I have ever been to a youth play where every singer was so fantastic. The ending of the play is emotional and beautifully done. All of the staging throughout this two-act play is astounding. The costumes are marvelous and the makeup miraculous especially Beast’s make-up. We were in the very front row and his face was a beast, perfectly! I am impressed all the way around on this play. All aspects of a great play were seen here; amazing ensemble, great director, astounding production, breathtaking choreography, and extraordinary singing and acting. The group did such a fabulous job with all their roles. You cannot ask for anything more in a musical. Thank you Kids on Stage for all your hard work, it definitely paid off in huge dividends. Performed November 5 - 7, 2010. Roshelle Hall National Youth Theatre
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