A cast of thousands … well, no not quite … more like 40, but when you added the audience – children, seniors and everyone in between waving their red glowing roses to transform the beast – you have all the makings of a wonderful performance! Disney’s classic truly came to life this past weekend with a special arrangement with Music Theatre International and Nashoba Drama. Belle, played by Emma Romasco, wowed young audiences in the weeks preceeding the play at local libraries where she read to the children while in costume. The excitement thus began for these kids even before they entered the auditorium. Belle was completely believable as a fairy tale “princess” in the truest sense of the word. A masterful performance of the Beast by Eric Watterson – what an incredible voice has been given to this talented actor – as he goes from prince to beast and back to prince. Gaston, played by Nick Sestito, was full of his charisma. Wonderful performances – with plenty of laughs and site gags – by Mrs Potts (Angelina DeSocio – with her outstretched arm resembling a spout), Cogsworth (Alex Llanso – I will never forget his discovering the key – wasn’t he too wound tight?), Miranda Doutch as Madame de La Grande Bouche (wonderful!!!!) Maurice (Colin King – I loved his costume and contraption), Lumiere and Babette (Oo-La-La! mais oui! Tyler Plaskon and Katie O’Toole). The Silly Girls were so funny (I still laugh at how they were so enamored of Gaston! – Emily Castner, Lexi Murtha and Ariella Honig) And Chip (Lyndsey Hawkes) had me staring for nearly the whole performance as the head in the cup (and no body in sight! How did they ever do that?) Ryan Bonner as Monsieur D’arque displayed wonderful vocals. Marcus Sardella as Lefou had me in stitches the whole play – he is headed for a career in comedy. And this play would not be complete without the supporting ensemble, wolves (scarey as they attacked in smoke) and townspeople – all of whom were enthusiastic, believable and just plain talented! As always, students and parents can download images from the show at my customers link on the menu.
