It’s a tale as old as time, but it never gets old. The Northumberland Players’ production of Beauty and the Beast is true magic, and it’s on stage now at The Capitol Theatre in Port Hope.
From the moment the house lights dimmed and the orchestra began to play, my face lit up and I didn’t stop smiling until I left the theatre.
Directed by Cyndi Langford and produced by Valerie Russell (executive), Christina Pochmursky (costumes), Glen Wilson (program & photos), Jackie Tinson (orchestra) and Leslee Argue (finance), bringing this fairy tale to the stage is no easy task. As director Cyndi Langford said in her director’s note, “The more beastly rehearsals became, the more everyone rose to the challenge.”
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This production showcases what makes The Northumberland Players so remarkable — it’s a group of volunteers who come together to dedicate their time, energy and creativity to bring something special to the community.
The orchestra, set, costumes, choreography, makeup, lighting, props and special effects worked in perfect unison and completely energized the audience. We were cheering, whistling, hooting and hollering. It felt like the cast was playing with us, not for us.
On that note, I have so much to say about the cast; there are so many scene stealers in this production.
Maurice (Grant Coward) is so charming and makes the perfect warm and quirky Papa. Belle (Robyn Hawthorne) truly has the voice of a Disney princess. Gaston (Evan Soutter) with an ego as large as his boots, gets a lot of laughs with his dorky sidekick LeFou (Ethan Edwards).
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The spellbound enchanted castle staff Mrs. Potts (Kelly-Anne Moss), Chip (Mules Larrimore/Oliver Brans) Lumiere (Hudson Scott), Madame Bouche (Marley Soutter), Babette (Holly LaFlamme) and Cogsworth (Jeremy Brans) all bring a strong performance in singing, dancing and physical comedy as they help the Beast (Craig Martin) open his heart and break the spell.
This is a stellar cast supported by an incredible ensemble, who carry a heavy load with lots of singing and dancing. They perfectly execute the extremely tricky choreography with beer mugs in Gaston’s Tavern. Bravo team. You nailed it.
This is fun for the entire family and tickets are selling fast. Go! I cannot wait for you to see it.
Beauty and the Beast plays at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope until Mar. 3. For tickets call 905-885-1071 or visit nplay.ca.
