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Beck Center for the Arts Scott Spence, artistic director presents
Music by Alan Menken December, 2005 Graphic Designer and Performer Connor O’Brien sent me the poster above as an example of his work. All the photographs on this page were taken by Fred Sternfeld |
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view the company list and biographies, pictures, reviews and features of the
Beck Center ’06 encore production Beck Center ’07 encore production |
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Honors, Awards and Kudos … “The ’07, ’06 and ’05 productions of Beauty and the Beast are the #1, #2 & #3 best selling shows in Beck Center’s history” “shining” “triumph” “outstanding” Best of 2005 recap in Free Times – Theater : The Sweet Smell of Success “It must be gratefully trumpeted that Beck’s two shining musicals, Urinetown and Beauty and the Beast, already have doubled 2004-05’s one triumph, Ragtime from JCC” “outstanding mounting” “one of the year’s best musicals” Best of 2005 recap in Cleveland Scene – “one of the year’s best musicals” “Beauty and the Beast, another great Sternfeld production, is maxing out the talents of an exceptional cast to wring laughs and tears from this durable Disney property (it’s playing — and sold out — through December 31). ”
The Plain Dealer – Friday Magazine “Hot Ticket – Best Bets” “a new classic” “everyone’s raving” “Now’s your last chance to see a new classic, a production with wit, polish and great costumes that everyone’s raving about…” The Plain Dealer – Friday Magazine “Family” choices
Best of 2005 recap in the Plain Dealer – There are some positives worth focusing on from the past year “Lakewood’s Beck Center for the Arts, long known for its daring and innovative programming, hit the veritable jackpot with Polish Joke, Urinetown the Musical, A Raisin in the Sun and two Disney extravaganzas, Aida and Beauty and the Beast.” Best of 2005 recap in the Chagrin Valley Times “The Fred Sternfeld directed Beauty and the Beast was a stunner. The lavish production of the Disney film is a family show loved by everyone.” Winner of 7 ‘Times Newspaper Tribute Awards – Outstanding Theatre 05‘ Production – The Company |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Zac Hudak as “Lefou,” Josh R. Noble as “Gaston,” Adam Kapis as “Monsieur D’Arque,” Susan Kobylinski, Katie Farragher, Annie Meyer-Steinheiser, Tim Anderson, Kat Clover, David Malinowski, John Doyle, Bevan Michael Haynes as “The Mob” |
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Rave reviews … excerpts from the Cleveland Scene review “terrific” “dazzling” “There are few musical theater pleasures that can equal seeing a supremely talented cast under the guidance of a director who knows how to stage a production, from the grand sweep of crowd scenes to the tiny sparks hidden in smaller moments. Happily, this is all on display in an enthralling evening” “Director Fred Sternfeld has assembled a kickass company of stellar performers” “a lively and genuinely touching tribute to the humanity that goes more than skin deep” “ the stage version adds some depth and resonance” “ably supported by Martin Cespedes’ energetic musical staging and choreography” “Sternfeld succeeds in creating a bountiful Beauty” view complete Cleveland Scene review here or on the Cleveland Scene website |
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 Tracee Patterson as “Madame de la Grande Bouche,” Douglas Collier as “Cogsworth,” Kristin Netzband as “Babette,” Larry Nehring as “Lumiere,” Amiee Collier as “Mrs. Potts,” Miles Sternfeld as “Chip” Bevan Michael Haynes as “Knife,” Joe Fornadel as “Salt,” Sarah Clare as “Napkin,” Melissa Smith-Beudert as “Napkin,” Kelly Pekar as “Spoon,” Tim Anderson as “Corkscrew,” Andrew Parmelee as “Doormat,” Kat Clover as “Plate,” Jessica Sopko as “Napkin,” Susan Kobylinski as “Napkin,” Susan Wagner as “Wooden Spoon,” David Malinowski as “Pepper,” John Doyle as “Cake Server” |
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| excerpts from the Cleveland Plain Dealer review Beauty of ‘Beast’ production is that it keeps everyone happy by Zachary Lewis “Pleasing children with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is relatively easy. Pleasing their adult companions isn’t. Surprisingly, this production manages to do both.“ “cinematic, spare-no-expense spectacle directed by Fred Sternfeld” “creative, highly animated choreography by Martin Cespedes” “robust” “talented character actors … illuminate the production” “Worry not, parents. Your kids will love it, and you might even have a good time, too” |
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| excerpts from the Cleveland Jewish News review Engaging production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Beck by Fran Heller “Cleveland’s maestro of the mega-musical, director Fred Sternfeld, has mounted a thoroughly engaging production” “Dan Folino is a consummate Beast… humorous, endearing touches … oozes with charm… considerable singing skills” “The petite, spunky Natalie Green makes a delightful Belle .. sweet voice” “When Beast faces imminent death, it brought a tear to my eye” “Choreographer Martin Céspedes continues to create miracles with non-professional dancers and actors. His inventive movements in the tavern song, where the ensemble does some neat stuff with beer mugs, is a masterpiece of creativity” “Audience reaction can be a good judge … all were engaged, attentive and rose as one in a standing ovation following the production” “If you’re looking for a family show that is entertaining, and great fun, with a sound moral for young and old alike, “Beauty and the Beast” is just the ticket” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” and Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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| excerpts from the Free Times review It Takes an Enchanted Village: Beck Center’s Beauty and the Beast is perfectly cast and choreographed by James Damico “HOW BEST TO CONVEY just how enchanting is Beck Center’s Beauty and the Beast? Maybe by sharing a critic’s infallible indicator. From the first moment of this beauteous Beauty — which depicts witchy physical transformations seamlessly segueing into a vibrantly staged, choreographed, lit and costumed evocation of a fairytale village springing to life — right through its fadeout kiss, I was so cozily caught up in the storybook proceedings that I never once looked away to make one of my obligatory, if always illegible, notes.” “Director Fred Sternfeld has again massed dozens of performers, and again circulates them with his estimable trademark fluidity” “Martin Cespedes’ consistently integral contributions … enliven, enrich and validate any show he choreographs” “Larry Goodpaster’s orchestra exemplary” “perfectly cast” “superior production” “truly special” “an oughta-see holiday treat” |
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 Natalie Green as “Belle” and Josh R. Noble as “Gaston” |
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excerpts from the Times Newspapers review “another winner” “enchanting” “a delightful production” “Everything from the sets, to the music, to the singing, to the dancing, to the cast, works well.” “Natalie Green is glorious as Belle… beautiful … lights up the stage with her smile, sings like an angel and dances with ease … enchanting … a star in every sense of the word.” “Dan Folino … a full and powerful voice … gives a vulnerable texture to the role of the Beast that adds much to the characterization … captivating.” “He and Green make the perfect fairy tale prince and princess” “Martin Cespedes is a master of choreography … amazing what he can do with a group of performers” “ ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Gaston’ were absolute show stoppers!” “Larry Goodpaster’s orchestra is excellent” “Director Fred Sternfeld again proves that he is a master at placing large casts on stage and making them look good” view complete Times Newspaper review on Roy Berko’s website |
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| the CoolCleveland review… (12/13/05) by Thomas Mulready “Featuring lavish costumes, stunning special effects, spot-on acting and a brilliant live orchestra, all brought together with tight-as-a-drum stage action and never-a-dull-moment pacing by crack director Fred Sternfeld, this classic tale competes directly and successfully with the popular animated version, then goes it one better.” “The 2.5 hour play is so good natured, so entertaining, so uplifting, it flies by, even for (especially for) kids, and actually leaves you wanting more. The fun continues through 12/31.” |
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| excerpts from the West Life review Beck’s Beauty and Beast, brings a faithful Disney classic to life by Art Thomas “a treat” “a kaleidoscope of color” ”How great it is to praise a show such as the Beck Center production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!” “faithful … in spirit and execution. Walt Disney is smiling on this show” “Director Fred Sternfeld has a demonstrated success with mega-musicals” “Natalie Green is charming … has the Broadway voice” “Dan Folino … has mastered the vocal qualities that give the Beast the necessary human quality” “professional excellence from Martin Cespedes’ choreography” “creative fight choreography” “Everyone, even the least of the townspeople, make strong contributions to the magic of the story” “Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth … warmly human” “A huge feather in the Beck Center’s cap … a flair that will be difficult for any theater to top” “This production is a Christmas treat to the greater Cleveland community” |
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excerpts from the Chagrin Valley Times review “delightful” “extravagant production” “Disney at its very best” “Under the direction of the remarkable Fred Sternfeld … charm you right out of your seat” “He has assembled a wonderful cast” “Martin Cespedes … musical staging and choreography is astonishing” “Miss Green appears to have stepped right out of a Disney movie, a fragile young ingénue with an angelic voice. Miss Green embraces the role and sings with a show biz sound that has Broadway written all over it” “Dan Folino is outstanding as the Beast” “notable is Josh Noble … every self absorbed moment brings laughs” “truly a total ensemble effort … giving their all” “exceptional cast” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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| excerpts from another CoolCleveland review (12/20/05) by Kelly Ferjutz “You’ll have to go some distance to find a higher-energy production…” “the acting and the singing … costumes and the dancing are terrific” “director Fred Sternfeld … keeps things moving briskly throughout” “entirely believable” “wonderful choreography of Martin Cespedes” “excellent pit orchestra” “a spectacular love story with a nice mix of pleasant ballads and exuberant show-stoppers” “Natalie Green as Belle and Dan Folino as the Beast … sing beautifully, while giving life to the parts” “Josh Noble as … Gaston, is perfect” |
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 Natalie Green as “Belle” and Bill Kelly as “Maurice” |
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| excerpts from the Backstage review Review: Beauty and the Beast by Fran Heller “enchanted” ”Fred Sternfeld … has done it again” “a high-octane production” ”Martin Cespedes … the tavern song … a masterpiece of ingenuity” ” ‘Be Our Guest’, … razzle-dazzle showstopper … a Follies extravaganza” “The lovely and unforgettable score is duly energized by veteran music director Larry Goodpaster and the orchestra” ”the versatile Dan Folino … is a consummate Beast” “The evolving relationship between petite, spunky Natalie Green as Belle and the Beast is well-drawn by the pair” “Larry Nehring charms as the amorous Frenchman, Lumiere, who yearns, along with Douglas Collier’s suitably pompous Cogsworth and Tracee Patterson’s comical Madame de la Grand Bouche, to be ‘Human Again.’ ” And as Mrs. Potts, Aimee Collier does ample justice to the show’s Academy Award-winning title song” “Aimee Kluiber’s incredible costumes … provide an endless cavalcade of earthly delights” |
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 Josh R. Noble as “Gaston” and Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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| excerpts from the Lakewood Observer review Beauty and the Beast Live at the Beck Center by Mary Bodnar “enchanting” “the highest theatrical standards” “Director Fred Sternfeld, choreographer Martin Cespedes and musical director Larry Goodpaster masterfully brought this epic love story to life in an amazing way” “Belle … talented and beautiful Natalie Green” “Beast, powerfully impersonated by Dan Folino” ”heart stopping … show-stealer … Josh R. Noble … phenomenal” ”Larry Nehring … enchanting as Lumiere” “a lavish stage design” “Costume designs were simply exquisite” “excited audience” |
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 Kelly Pekar, Sarah Clare and Jessica Sopko as “Silly Girls” |
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Cast of Characters
(in order of appearance) Young Prince – Jason Modica Old Woman / Enchantress – Kelly Pekar Beast – Dan Folino Belle – Natalie Green The Aristocratic Lady – Annie Meyer-Steinheiser The Fish Man – David Malinowski The Egg Man – Bevan Michael Haynes The Sausage Curl Girl – Lauren Skirbunt Baker – John A. Doyle Lady w/ Cane – Susan Wagner Lady w/ Baby – Courtney Schloss Candle Man – Tim Anderson Hat Seller – Adam Kapis Milkmaid – Maggie Gibbons Shepherd Boy – Sean Fitzgerald Bookseller – Joe Fornadel Other Townspeople – Emily Grodzik, Meriel Sikora, Katie Farragher, Melissa Smith-Beudert , Susan Kobylinski, Camille Rekhson, Assad Khaishgi, Andrew Parmelee, Ben Thomas, Jason Modica, Kat Clover, Mark W. Goins Lefou – Zac Hudak Gaston – Josh R. Noble Silly Girls – Jessica Sopko, Sarah Clare, Kelly Pekar Maurice – Bill Kelly Wolves – David Malinowski, Ben Thomas, Bevan Michael Haynes, Jason Modica, Joe Fornadel Cogsworth – Douglas Collier Lumiere – Larry Nehring* Babette – Kristin Netzband Mrs. Potts – Amiee Collier Chip – Miles Sternfeld Madame de la Grande Bouche – Tracee Patterson* Fork – Zac Hudak, Ben Thomas Spoon – Kelly Pekar Knife – Bevan Michael Haynes Corkscrew – Tim Anderson Cake server – John A. Doyle Dinner bell – Adam Kapis, Assad Khaishgi Wooden spoon – Susan Wagner Broom – Courtney Schloss Measuring spoons – Lauren Skirbunt Plates – Katie Farragher, Kat Clover, Maggie Gibbons Doormat – Andrew Parmelee Salt – Joe Fornadel Pepper – David Malinowski Napkins – Emily Grodzik, Jessica Sopko, Sarah Clare, Melissa Smith-Beudert, Susan Kobylinski Monsieur D’Arque – Adam Kapis *member – Actors Equity Association view biographies of The AEA contracts in this production have been underwritten, in part, by a corporate sponsorship from Research Organics, Inc., a Cleveland-based ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of high purity biological buffers and biochemicals. These biochemical products are used in bioscience, diagnostics, drug and biotechnology applications. |
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 Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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Orchestra
Conductor / Keyboard – Larry Goodpaster Keyboard – Heidi Herczeg Flute – Melanie Beck, Gretchen Bailey Soprano Sax, Alto Sax – David Nelson Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Karen Langenwalter Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kevin Mulder, Matt Wirfel Trombone – Kevin Wenner French Horn – Meredith Evans Percussion – Keith Mausser Violin – Allie Lint Cello – Corie Lint String Bass – Dan Parks, Kevin Aylward |
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Production Staff |
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 Natalie Green as “Belle,” Camille Rekhson, Susan Kobylinski, Courtney Schloss, Lauren Skirbunt, Ben Thomas, Mark W. Goins, David Malinowski, Tim Anderson and Katie Farragher as “Townspeople” |
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| ABOUT THE PLAY: Disney’s first musical brings to life the beloved “tale as old as time” with a burst of theatrical magic. Already a legend as the sixth longest-running show in Broadway history, “Beauty and the Beast” was nominated for nine 1994 Tony® Awards including Best Musical. For a synopsis of the story go to this link: http://disney.go.com/disneytheatrical/beautyandthebeast/story.html | |
 Natalie Green as “Belle,” Susan Wagner, Sean Fitzgerald, Tim Anderson, Katie Farragher, Maggie Gibbons, Annie Meyer-Steinheiser and Adam Kapis as “Townspeople” |
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 Kat Clover, Katie Farragher, Camille Rekhson, Lauren Skirbunt, John Doyle, Susan Kobylinski, Melissa Smith-Beudert, Ben Thomas, Adam Kapis, Jason Modica and Meriel Sikora as “Townspeople” |
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 Camille Rekhson as a “Townsperson” and Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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 Camille Rekhson as a “Townsperson” and Natalie Green as “Belle,” Kat Clover, Emily Grodzik, Katie Farragher, Jason Modica and Meriel Sikora as “Townspeople” |
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Foreground – Kat Clover as “Plate,” Kelly Pekar as “Spoon,” Courtney Schloss as “Broom and Dustpan,” Lauren Skirbunt as “Measuring Spoons,” Amiee Collier as “Mrs. Potts,” Kristin Netzband as “Babette,” Larry Nehring as “Lumiere” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Larry Nehring as “Lumiere,” Dan Folino as “The Beast” and Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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Jessica Sopko, Kelly Pekar & Sarah Clare as “Silly Girls,” Josh R. Noble as “Gaston” |
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 Amiee Collier as “Mrs. Potts,” Larry Nehring as “Lumiere,” Douglas Collier as “Cogsworth,” Dan Folino as “The Beast,” Tracee Patterson as “Madame de la Grande Bouche” and Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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 Lying on the floor, left to right- Andrew Parmelee, Joe Fornadel, Bevan Michael Haynes, Ben Thomas and David Malinowski as “Cronies” Standing, left to right – Jessica Sopko, Zac Hudak, Josh R. Noble, Sarah Clare and Kelly Pekar as “Silly Girls, Lefou and Gaston” Upstage, standing left to right – Adam Kapis, Mark Goins, Assad Khaishgi, Lauren Skirbunt, Tim Anderson and Sean Fitzgerald as “Cronies” |
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 Miles Sternfeld as “Chip” and Amiee Collier as “Mrs. Potts” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Front – Bevan Michael Haynes as “Knife,” Kelly Pekar as “Spoon” and Zac Hudak as “Fork” Rear – Sean Fitzgerald, Ben Thomas and Assad Khaishgi as “Candles” |
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 Natalie Green as “Belle” and Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Zac Hudak as “Lefou” and Josh R. Noble as “Gaston” |
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 Susan Wagner as “Wooden Spoon,” Tim Anderson as “Corkscrew,” Lauren Skirbunt as “Measuring Spoons,” Adam Kapis as “Dinner Bell,” Courtney Schloss as “Broom and Dustpan” and John Doyle as “Pie Cutter” |
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 Larry Nehring as “Lumiere” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Maggie Gibbons, Kat Clover & Katie Farragher as “Plates” |
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 Tracee Patterson as “Madame de la Grande Bouche” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Floor – Natalie Green as “Belle” Floor, left to right – Kelly Pekar as “Spoon,” Andrew Parmelee as “Doormat,” Susan Kobylinski, Melissa Smith-Beudert as “Napkins,” Bevan Michael Haynes as “Knife,” Zac Hudak as “Fork,” Sarah Clare as “Napkin,” David Malinowski as “Pepper” Back- Susan Wagner as “Wooden Spoon,” Tim Anderson as “Corkscrew,” Lauren Skirbunt as “Measuring Spoons,” Katie Farragher as “Plate,” Larry Nehring as “Lumiere,” John Doyle as “Pie Cutter,” Courtney Schloss as “Broom and Dustpan,” Adam Kapis as “Dinner Bell” |
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 Amiee Collier as “Mrs. Potts” and Miles Sternfeld as “Chip” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Beast” |
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 Tracee Patterson as “Madame de la Grande Bouche” |
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 Josh R. Noble as “Gaston,” Zac Hudak as “Lefou” and Adam Kapis as “Monsieur D’Arque” |
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 Front, left to right – Jessica Sopko, Sarah Clare & Kelly Pekar as “Silly Girls,” Courtney Schloss as “Lady with Babies,” Josh R. Noble as “Gaston,” Bill Kelly as “Maurice,” Natalie Green as “Belle,” Annie Meyer-Steinheiser as “The Aristocratic Lady,” Susan Wagner as “Lady with Cane,” Assad Khaishgi and Andrew Parmelee as “Townspeople” Back, left to right – David Malinowski as “The Fish Man,” Ben Thomas, Tim Anderson, Katie Farragher & Susan Kobylinski as “Townspeople” |
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 Dan Folino as “The Prince” and Natalie Green as “Belle” |
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| Audience comments …
“It was an amazing performance. My daughter sat at the edge of her seat the whole time. She told me it was the most magical night of her life and that she will never forget how Belle waved to her at the end. 🙂 Afterwards, we went to Malley’s. It was a fine mother-daughter evening that I will never forget. Please let your friends at the Beck Center know just how much we enjoyed our time there and that we are planning on returning.” “I wanted to let you know how wonderful I felt BEAUTY & THE BEAST was at the Beck Center. You are, without a doubt, an extraordinary director. Outside of the way you choreographed the sets being changed, which was fabulous, and the great casting, staging, singing and whole production, it had some personal significance to me I wanted to share … When I was very young, I had a father who was a “Beast,” and had to be divorced, after which he drank himself to death. So I have always had difficulty with this fable, even though I was working at Disney when they first brought out the animated movie. I have since seen other productions on stage, and very fine productions, too — but always watched with an emotional barrier. Your production was the first time I was able to “get” that the Beast was actually an unfortunate guy who was slowly slipping into beastness, and it was sad. I felt compassion, and identified with the character for the first time ever when your actor said the line, “there’s so little of me left.” Suddenly, I was there. It was amazing, and now I understand the power of the fable, and the impact of the musical. So I thank you, Sir, for the personal gift of your wonderful, wonderful show.” “We agree with all of the unanimously wonderful reviews – a smashing success in every respect – not a weak link! I do not think that it is necessarily an easy show to pull off – lots of places where just an off tone or off timing could be a real clunker. But your direction and their implementation were impeccable. Wonderful voices, acting, timing, sets, costumes, orchestra. Your direction and Martin’s choreography continue to set ever higher standards. This is not just a kid’s production, and I suspect several of your team have long and successful careers ahead of them. It was well worth the trip from the east side … A great Holiday present to the community. May you also enjoy the Holidays, and continue from success to success in the New Year – and well beyond! We will look forward to your next production.” “My little grandgirls loved the show. They are 3 and 4 so I think everyone should take a bow for holding their interest! At three, almost everything is a distraction! Nicely done!” “…saw your show last night and think it was spectacular. It was as professional a show, in so many ways, as anything that Cleveland has or does offer. Congratulations on a super job!!” “We wanted to tell you that you did an amazing job. We were so impressed. This show is a tremendous undertaking and we think this is one of the best things you have ever done. Obviously you had an amazing technical staff, but this production far exceeds any professional performance we have seen. You cast it beautifully and directed it with wisdom and vision.” “I thought Beauty and the Beast was fantastic, but not because of the special effects, or make up, or |
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