“Beauty and The Beast” by Eldorado Musical Productions

“Beauty and The Beast” by Eldorado Musical Productions at The Bob Hope Theatre

Last night, my deputy editor and I had the pleasure of attending the opening night performance of "Beauty and the Beast" presented by Eldorado Musical Productions at The Bob Hope Theatre. I must say, it was a delightful experience that captured the hearts of myself and fellow audience members.

From the moment the curtains parted, the vibrant and colourful scene provided by projection created a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of the beloved Disney classic.

The principal cast brought an undeniable energy to the stage. Belle, played brilliantly by a talented young actress (Megan Abell), showcased her vocal range and emotional depth, making it easy to appreciate her struggles and aspirations. The Beast (Chris Warr), portrayed with a mix of ferocity and vulnerability, elicited sympathy as he journeyed towards redemption. Their chemistry was truly sweet, effectively drawing the audience into their enchanting yet tumultuous journey.

Overall, the ensemble cast delivered strong performances, particularly the comedic duo of Gaston (Ben Guindi) and LeFou (Basil Zafiropoulos), who brought humour and charm to their scenes.

But I must wholeheartedly commend Lumiere (Ollie Guindi) and Cogsworth (Andy Noakes) for their outstanding performances. What fun the audience had whenever they were on stage. I'd love to see either of them on stage again. Yes, I am now a 'fanboy'.

Special mention to Mrs Potts (Sue Wootton), who fully embodied the warmth and kindness of the character, and Chip (Rosa Sharples / Bobby Morecraft) - the cuteness alone makes this show worth the price of admission.

The choreography was lively and sometimes a jumble, particularly during the iconic "Be Our Guest" number, but ultimately delivered as a standout moment in the show.

The musical direction was commendable, with the live orchestra hitting all the right notes, complementing the performances beautifully. Major credit must be given to the Musical Director (Paul Berry) and his team. It's always such a pleasure to hear beloved songs brought to life in the arena of live performance.

Some vocal performances may have had a few shaky moments, but the cast's passion made up for any minor flaws. While there were some technical and timing issues during scene transitions, Eldorado's warmth and dedication shone through, reminding us all of the joy of live theatre.

In conclusion, this production is a testament to the talent and dedication of the Eldorado team and the show's directors (Jeanette Wallis & Natalie Payne).

It was a delightful evening filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend catching this charming rendition if you have the chance!

Eldorado celebrated its 100th year in 2024. Here's to 100 more!

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