Mercury Bay Performing Arts have done it again! Last year they produced Aladdin and this year it’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. This passionate and talented team, led by Fabian Roberts, have brought this lively musical theatre favourite to life. With the memory and popularity of last year’s delightful show, tickets for Beauty and the Beast sold quickly and by the first night of the show, they were sold out.
The cast of over fifty local school students who come from the Eastern Coromandel communities enthusiastically “put their all” into making this show a success. Through adept narration, drama, music, songs and dance, we are taken on a magical journey to protagonist Belle’s bustling village. Bright and kind Belle, played beautifully by Olivia Graham, is pursued by the arrogant and boastful Gaston who is determined to marry her despite her disinterest. Isabella White makes a compelling Gaston and his sidekick, Bonnie Roberts as Le Fou plays the part exceptionally well.
We join Belle’s muddle headed but beloved father Maurice, played right on character by Anabelle Leitch. Maurice wanders off into a forest before being captured and taken to a castle ruled by the cursed BEAST, played so well by Blake Olliff-Paul. Also cursed are the occupants; humans turned into living objects such as a clock, a feather duster, candle holder, teapot and teacup etc. Our protagonist, Belle trades places with her dad and breaks the curse by seeing beyond appearances and loving the Beast and bringing it all to a most gratifying conclusion.
The village and forest scenes are delightful. The background team worked quickly and innovatively to change the scenes on a darkened stage. The large cast brought these scenes to life. In the bustling French market there is a bakery and bookshop where Belle is perusing books and silly girls are swooning over Gaston. A shepherd with a delightful flock of sheep passes through (in gorgeous white tutus.) We are treated to some exquisite and graceful young dancers.
We journey into a dark foreboding forest where a pack of well costumed wolves furtively and menacingly appear. The castle scenes are enhanced by the confident and skilful acting, singing and dancing by all of the “objects”. Their humour is great and the costumes are a work of art with some gorgeous scenes created by lighting them up in the darkened castle.
Whitianga is so fortunate to have the Mercury Bay Performing Arts centre and the skill and motivation of the producers, directors and choreographers. Acknowledgement also to sponsors, the stage crew and all the helpers. However, the memories that will linger are of the energy, skill and confidence of all of the cast. It is a joy to watch and experience.
