Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast
Jester's Dinner Theater
Longmont, CO
April 7 - July 2, 2017

Beauty and the Beast is a very popular show this season – the high budget live-action film likely had something to do with that. And despite numerous productions each one has been enormously popular with audiences. The performances by Jester’s Dinner Theater had larger audiences than I have seen in the past. Despite this, it maintained the same extended family atmosphere.

The set for the show made good use of limited stage space. It was unfortunate that Belle’s home and room in the castle were both on the same side of the stage. For those on the opposite side it was often difficult to see and hear her. The set changes were mostly well choreographed with a few exceptions. They didn’t go overboard in details but we still got a feeling of the Beast’s vast castle.

The costumes closely followed those of the original animated film. The sets were not elaborate, but they conveyed the vast area covered during the action of the show.

The cast overall gave good performances. Belle’s voice was not always strong enough to be heard throughout the theater. Mrs. Potts’ “Beauty and the Beast” and the Beast’s “If I Can’t Love Her” shone. However, the big productions numbers were little more than a large group of people filling the stage. There was little choreography for “Gaston” or “Be Our Guest.”

This is not a slick, lavish production, but it will leave a smile on your face. As always, the cast were gracious with photographs and conversations with the audience after the show.