by Jody Tuso-Key, Managing Editor

SANDY SPRINGS – The Byers Theater in Sandy Springs is playing host to a barrage of little Belles this month with City Springs Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The number of little girls donning pretty yellow dresses at the opening weekend Saturday matinee was a fun sight to behold. This family-friendly show will be playing until March 24th and it is one you don’t want to miss.

With music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, the stage adaptation of the 1991 animated motion picture classic extends the motion picture with some added musical numbers. This show premiered on Broadway in 1994 and ran for 13 years. Throughout its inception 30 years ago, this ‘Tale as old as time‘ stands the test of time. Through the years the show enjoyed success on London’s West End in addition to national tours and was eventually made available to regional theaters, colleges, and high schools. A Junior version has also been made available.

I’ve seen and been involved with this show several times including Gainesville Theater Alliance’s production as well as several high school and Junior productions of the show; however, this is the first fully professional production I’ve seen. Of course, City Springs always goes above and beyond expectations, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST has done it again with this iconic show. Every aspect of the show is larger-than-life from the performances to the sets, costumes, lights, sound, and orchestration.

Director and Tony Award winner Baayork Lee who previously directed A CHORUS LINE and CATS has returned to Sandy Springs to Direct B&B, and her vision for the show and choreography highlight her innate creativity. I really enjoyed the choreography of the wolves and the showstopper Be Our Guest as well as the creativity of the traditional mug dance during Gaston.

Technically, this show is visually amazing, highlighting a beast of a castle interior that moves forward and turns around flawlessly. Almost all of the castle’s features — the front entry hall, dungeon, Belle’s bedroom, the West Wing, and the library are all housed in this single set piece with a labyrinth of stairs leading to the different locations. Scenic Designer Kelly Tighe’s team did an awe-inspiring job with scenic artistry throughout the production which was highlighted by Mike Wood’s beautiful light design.

Another technical aspect that is often overlooked in reviews is the Fly Rail Operator. This is the technician who flies set pieces in and out from above and to the sides. There is an artistry to this work that is taken for granted by audiences. This show had many beastly fly pieces and Hiram Madge’s hands were full with this production, yet each piece is expertly flown.

The performances were all top-notch. Christian Magby as The Beast brings a powerful performance, and his transformation from Beast back to Prince is spectacular. The castle staff–Nick Walker Jones as Lumiere, Luke Grooms as Cogsworth, Candice Song Donehoo as Mrs. Potts, Cece Fields as Chip, Maggie McCown as Babette, and Grace Choi as Madame de la Grande Bouche–displayed a congenial rapport and played off each other well. The comedic duo of Stanley Allyn Owen as Gaston and DJ Plunkett as LeFou delivered the laughs. Stanley Allyn Owen’s vocals were rich and robust, as is fitting for Gaston. The beautiful dancing and rich vocals of the ensemble should also not be overlooked. Key-noteworthy performances included the silly girls-Grace Arnold, Hannah Morrison, and Emma X. O’Loughlin as well as the those who played the Napkins and Carpet in Be Our Guest.

I especially want to commend Amanda Fallon Smith, understudy for Belle who stepped in during this matinee and delivered a stellar performance. Making her City Springs debut, Smith has worked on the Wicked national tour as Nessa Rose and has several regional theater roles under her belt as well. Her vocals are a credit to her performance as she sings with feeling and showcases the range in her voice.

City Springs’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the ears. It’s a spectacular show for the young and the young at heart. To purchase tickets, visit cityspringstheatre.com, and hurry as they are selling out fast!