Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a classic fairytale with the musical being just as magical. Premiering on Broadway in 1994 with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, it is a show that has certainly proven the test of time.
The story follows a young woman, Belle, who stumbles into a castle occupied by a cursed Beast. Along the way, she meets an array of colourful characters who are eager for the two to fall in love, which in turn will break the curse.
The show being a crowd favourite means that it is a popular choice for theatre companies. This time, it is Brisbane Musical Theatre’s turn to recreate that Disney magic onstage.
As the overture plays, the audience can hear the familiar songs. The magic has begun through the music. Under the expert musical direction of Mark Beilby, the 11-piece orchestra nails every number from the dramatic swells to the softest whispers. Beilby’s vocal direction is also remarkable as the cast of over 50 perform favourites such as Belle, Gaston and Be Our Guest.
Directing and choreographing such a large cast would be no easy feat, so special kudos to Jesse Bradford and Ava Moschetti, respectively. The ensemble numbers mentioned above, although having a large number of people, never seem clunky or messy. I especially enjoyed the cup-oreography in Gaston.
The costuming for a show like Beauty and the Beast is always under the microscope. All eyes are on the household characters and their costumes. These include Mrs Potts, Chip and Madame de la Grande Bouche. Not only were the lead costumes spot on, but so was the ensemble’s. It is refreshing to see such detail right down to each cast member. Well done to Geena Lukin and Andrea Hunter.
Projection is often used when a production’s physical space is limited. Here, it takes the form of images that resemble pages from the classic storybook.
This tied in well with the large set pieces used. The downside to large set pieces is the manpower needed to move them, and unfortunately, at times crew were lit up whilst onstage. Although this detracts from the magic slightly, the lead cast are there to draw you back in.
Leah Harford as Belle is soft yet direct in her compassion towards the Beast. In her leading lady debut, Harford delivers an outstanding vocal performance. Making his musical theatre debut is Dan Pohlmann as the Beast. Pohlmann brings a softness to the Beast as he discovers that true beauty lies under the surface.
Special mention to Michael Chazikantis, who brings Lumiere to life. Chazikantis plays the role with a cheekiness that deserves its own spin-off. Another special mention goes to Alex Sturdee, who gives us a different take on the much-loved character of Lefou.
Sturdee plays him as more of an unhinged, crazy sidekick, with a voice not even Gaston could pretend to love. As Gaston, Reagan Warner plays into the chauvinistic side of his character incredibly well.
There is no pretending that this is a community theatre production. But the passion and love are clear in the quality of work this cast, crew and orchestra at Brisbane Musical Theatre bring to the stage in Beauty and the Beast.
Beauty and the Beast is presented by Brisbane Musical Theatre and runs to 23 January at the Emerge Church Auditorium. 1 Coorparoo Road Warner Qld 4500.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1502025
Website: https://brisbanemusicaltheatre.com.au/performances/beauty-and-the-beast-january-2026/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/brisbane_musical_theatre/
Photo credits: Artist Focused Photography
