Last night, Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre was transformed into a magical wonderland as Beauty and the Beast officially opened thanks to the Disney Theatrical Group. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of extraordinary!
Marina Prior graced the red-carpet arrivals and reminisced about seeing the production almost 30 years ago when her wonderful friend Michael Cormick played The Beast and Rachael Beck played Belle. Marina said, “This is a big trip down memory lane for me”.
The entire cast delivered an incredible performance, but Rubin Matters as Gaston truly stole the show for me. His portrayal of the arrogant and self-absorbed villain was spot on, and his stage presence was electrifying. Shubshri Kandiah as Belle was a true triple threat, mesmerising the audience with her beautiful voice, graceful dance moves, and powerful acting skills. And let’s not forget Brendan Xavier as the Ultimate Beast, who embodied the character with such depth and emotion that you couldn’t help but root for him to find love with Belle.
The costume designs were exquisite, the choreography was breathtaking, and the stage sets, and lighting production were top-notch. Every detail of the production was carefully crafted to transport the audience into the enchanting world of Beauty and the Beast.
And of course, we must pay tribute to Angela Lansbury’s Prologue Narration, which added an extra layer of magic to the show. Her iconic voice brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the production, reminding us of the timeless tale we all know and love.
Candice Wyatt said, “I will never be able to put into words what Beauty and The Beast means to me. I know every single word and every single lyric. I would watch it with my mum repeatedly. If only she could have seen it come to life on stage. A very magical and emotional night.”
Beauty and the Beast is a must-see production that will leave you in awe. The talent of the cast, the creativity of the production team, and the overall magic of Disney truly shine through in this phenomenal show. Don’t miss your chance to experience the wonder and beauty of Beauty and the Beast at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. It’s a night you won’t soon forget!
For more information please visit https://beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au
Reviewed by Melinda Sullivan.
