“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST,” through Oct. 17, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins (435-652-3300 or tuacahn.org)
A few phrases from the title song of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” serve as a summary of Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s current production: It’s “ever just the same, ever a surprise” and “ever just as sure” to please audiences.
“Beauty and the Beast” is a “tale as old as time” in the eyes of many Disney fans, and Tuacahn honors the beloved story in its rendition while also adding a few fresh elements along the way, with strong performances from its cast contributing to much of its success.
The production begins with a large storybook at center stage that swings open to reveal a young prince and his story. After showing contempt and unkindness toward an enchantress, he and his household are cursed — he’s transformed into the Beast through some impressive behind-the-scenes work as dazzling pyrotechnics fill the stage — until he can learn to love and have someone love him in return.
Several years down the road, the Beast imprisons an older gentleman for trespassing in his castle — that is, until the man’s daughter, Belle, offers herself up as a prisoner in his stead, providing the matchmaking opportunity the castle staff have been waiting for.
Jim J. Bullock leads the castle crew as Cogsworth, with Richard Rowan as Lumiere and Cathy Newman as Mrs. Potts by his side. The three fill their roles well and tell jokes those familiar with the show expect, but they deliver them at a pace that keeps them interesting, humorous and seemingly new.
Jason Michael Evans as the Beast captures the character’s torment and slow process of repentance. His voice and presence are commanding within the amphitheater’s towering canyon walls as he undergoes a struggle to let goodness reign. He envelops the audience in the emotion throughout his powerful performance but particularly during the solo “If I Can’t Love Her.”
The Beast has met his match in Belle, played by Kari Yancy. There are often expectations that come with taking on a well-known role such as Belle, and Yancy fits the bill while also adding her own spin. She seems to be made to play the role, epitomizing the character’s goodness, hopefulness and sweet yet no-nonsense demeanor. This is perhaps most evident during Yancy’s powerful solo in “Home,” which is performed at a slightly faster pace, highlighting Belle’s empowered side.
And as most every Disney story has its villain, the cocky Gaston fills the role for “Beauty and the Beast.” Matt Merchant portrays the character’s distinctive arrogant, conceited, slightly chauvinistic attitude, complete with self-given compliments, incorrectly but confidently pronounced French words and repeated advances toward Belle in an attempt to convince her that she would be lucky to marry him.
The list of strong performances could go on and on, as the entire ensemble is spot-on throughout in acting and singing, as well as in dancing the choreography that adds visual interest and variation in numbers such as “Belle” and the crowd-pleasing tavern mug dance in “Gaston.”
Set pieces, costumes and props provide a charming backdrop for the beautiful acting, singing and dancing. Attention to detail is evident through houses with billowing chimney smoke; a functioning fountain; steam coming out of Mrs. Potts’ spout; and live animals including a horse, a goat and a chicken making their way onto the stage.
Audiences may be shocked when Belle emerges for her ballroom dance with the Beast to Mrs. Potts’ ballad in a dress that is ivory instead of yellow — several younger audience members even turned to their parents in a panic to ask, “Why isn’t it yellow?”
But hold on tight. By the end of the show, the dress looks exactly as audiences would expect.
It’s just another example of how Tuacahn has successfully taken a well-loved story and peppered it with new elements, demonstrating an exciting level of ingenuity and creating a show that families won’t want to miss.
Email: wbutters@deseretnews.com, Twitter: WhitneyButters