Photo By: Hilary Gauld Camilleri
The Drayton Festival Theatre, a renovated 1902 Opera House was at full capacity last evening for the opening night of the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. Entering the former Town Hall and Opera House the building was lit up ready for its audience to watch “A tale as old as time”.
The Drayton spin on the old tale was magnificent. The audience was captivated from the very beginning until its final bows. Entering into the old building it was bustling with preshow activity, 50/50 draw tickets, people purchasing admission at the box office, as well as patrons having a few beverages before the show.
Hearing the bell we knew it was time to quickly find our seats. The theatre is very accessible with one of our attendees who required the elevator to bring us to the balcony seating. As always we found the staff to be so welcoming and helpful during our evening.
The show began with the iconic voice of Lloyd Robertson narrating the opening act where we met the handsome looking fellow who played the beast by actor Tony Edgerton. Within minutes the Prince is transformed into a hideous beast after a spell is cast on him.
The tale begins when we are introduced to Belle, played by Jessica Gallant who discovers her father is missing so she sets out on a search to find him.
Later at the castle we find the beast staring at the enchanted rose wondering how he will ever return to normal. Meanwhile in the basement of the castle Belle’s father is trapped in a cage.
The set was ever-changing with quick scene changes that brought the tale to life. The set designer Christine Peters, definitely utilized the magic of Disney in all her designs. The costumes were colorful and added to the fairy-tale appeal, including the debut of Chip, who played the cup of tea.
The first set was a full of musical acts and we enjoyed the antics of Belle’s hometown. There were the Village silly girls, Gaston, Lefou and lots of singing and dancing of course.
We watched Gaston’s flex his muscles throughout the show all the while trying to win the beauty’s heart to no avail.
Photo by: Hilary Gauld Camilleri
Belle gave up her freedom for her father, we knew little about the journey it would take her on. The musical stirred all the senses and emotions like any good fairy-tale does. Like all good ending we hoped that love would be found.
The Drayton musical adaptation of the Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is wonderful for all audiences, including both younger and older. We were transformed into a magical fairy-tale world for 2.5 hours. The cast, crew and director Jayme Armstrong certainly deserved the standing ovation.
Go see this creative performance playing until August 31st at the Drayton Festival Theatre. You can purchase tickets here at 1-855-DRAYTON or check out the website to purchase tickets, https://www.draytonentertainment.com/Online/default.asp.
You will have to come and see for yourself if love will safe the day!
Talk soon,
Nancy