by Jody Tuso-Key – Managing Editor

Ok Folks, I’ve seen Beauty and the Beast more times than I can count, but it’s a favorite, so any chance I have to see it, I’m game. I’ll even be directing 6-8 graders in the iconic show this fall at Aurora Theatre. We’re seeing this show crop up as Disney is about to put it in the vault and it won’t be available for licensure. So if you love the show and want a chance to see it before it disappears, I recommend you get your tickets at FOCAL soon, because you only have 3 more chances to see this very well executed show! Don’t believe me? Here are a few reasons why this show is Keynoteworthy:

First off, Craig Lovell is the meanest, nastiest Beast I’ve ever seen! At one point my thought was, ‘Wow! This beast is an absolute A**hole!! This made for an amazing contrast once he began to thaw out and become more affectionate and princely. Craig’s presence on stage is formidable and he has a great vocal range.

Next but not second, I was so delighted to see Katie Jennison on the FOCAL stage again as Belle. I remembered her as Maria in Bellissimo’s production of SOUND OF MUSIC. She is adorable, an amazing actress, and her vocals are gorgeous and so controlled. She’s a diamond and really needs to be discovered by regional theatres.

Third, Daegan Bennett as Lefou brings a comic relief and energy that nails this part! He’s also as energetic and fun off stage as he is on stage. A student of the Gainesville Theater Alliance, this gentleman from South Forsyth is a true talent!

I also thoroughly enjoyed the duo of Joey Wright as Lumiere and Time Nagle as Cogsworth. Their chemistry as BFFs was spot on and they embodied the characters amazingly.

Kudos to the entire cast and ensemble, and honorable mention to Lauren Tully (Madame De LaGrande Bouche), Bryan Whitfield (Chip), Keri McClain (Mrs. Potts), Jeremy Choate (Gaston), Hope Weisheit (Les Filles La Ville), Tyler Tracy (Ensemble), Aubrey Clark (Ensemble), and Bryson Ross (Ensemble).

To my dear friend and choreographer, Carly Ann Lovell, it was delightful to see your award-winning Carly-ography as always!! Like Belle’s looks, your brand of dance instruction has no parallel. I especially enjoyed the slomo montages during Belle’s epic solo during the opening as well as the featured dancers and acrobats in Be Our Guest and Human Again. The mug dance in Gaston was also a new and refreshing take. I could keep gushing, but you know how much I love you and your work. Bravo my dear!!

Finally, Dylan O’Donnell, your lighting has the Jody seal of approval. From the days when we collaborated at Lambert High School and Play on Players to now, your design on this show gave me goosebumps. Every cue was perfectly executed by … any one who thinks this job is ‘easy’ and ‘all you have to do is press a button’ has never run a light board effectively. It takes knowing the show and keeping up with the cues — which were many in this case.