Beauty And The Beast

Broadway in Chicago's Beauty And the Beast at The Cadillac Palace brings back that 'Old Hollywood' joy of musicals. This production presents a captivating Hollywood interpretation of the musical, showcasing a vibrant Broadway-style stage show that mirrors the enchanting performances once staged at Disney's Hollywood Studios which brings the animated classic to life, featuring elaborate costumes, stunning choreography, and beloved songs like "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast." The musical is based on the book written by Linda Woolverton, an American playwright, who made history as the first woman to write an animated feature for Disney with her enchanting work on "Beauty and the Beast." Woolverton wanted to display a more relatable female perspective, modernize the female lead, and made Belle a spirited bookworm, a character driven by curiosity and a thirst for adventure; transforming Belle into a more proactive and independent figure, who stands up for herself and those she loves and able to make her own decisions regarding love and who she will love. Woolverton also expanded the roles of supporting characters, creating a more vibrant narrative that resonated with audiences.

This captivating production, which boasts a runtime of two hours and 30 minutes plus a single intermission, feels distinctly tailored for an adult audience. Its polished Hollywood production quality distinguishes it from the 75-minute version presented by Chicago Shakespeare last year, which was still a delightful treat; however, it was designed with children and their limited attention spans in mind. It follows the usual story of an arrogant prince who is cursed to live as a terrifying beast until he finds true love. He encounters the beautiful daughter of his captured clockmaker, Belle, who wanders into his castle. With the assistance of the Beast's enchanted servants—a clock, named Cogsworth, the Beast's majordomo (chief steward of the household), a charming teapot, Mrs. Potts, who spills tales of warmth and love, and a flamboyant candelabra, Lumiere, were all transformed into objects from the Enchantress's curse. Belle gradually uncovers the tender soul hidden behind the Beast's fearsome exterior, and the two find love.

The cast features Fergie L. Philippe (Beast), Javier Ignacio (Cogswork), Danny Gardner (Lumiere), Cameron Monroe Thomas (Babette), Stephen Mark Lukas (Gaston), Holly Ann Butler (Madame), and the adorable Levi Blaise Coleman as Chip. The main character, Belle, is played by Kyra Belle Johnson, who also shares the name Belle. Johnson, Philippe, Lukas, Ignacio, and Gardner provide fantastic performances, but one of the show-stealing roles comes from the outstanding performance of Harry Francis as LeFou. The staging of the production, featuring the remarkable scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, the stunning costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, and the captivating illusion work by Jim Steinmeyer, was truly impressive. I'm still amazed by the illusion of Chip's head emerging from the teacup, with its body entirely invisible, showcasing the brilliance and creativity of the entire team. This production featured a stunning pink dress that diverged from Belle's iconic yellow gown. Philippe, a New York City-based Actor, Puppeteer, Director, and Writer, recently played the role of Kristoff in Disney's Frozen at Theater Under The Stars, becoming one of the few African American actors to play the role in the Disney version of the Beast. Iconically, Beauty And The Beast is the first Broadway theatrical performance he saw.

This production is fantastic! It promises to ignite pure joy and create unforgettable moments that the audience will truly cherish.

Broadway In Chicago has made it more convenient for audiences to experience Beauty And The Beast by partnering with Metra to offer free rides on all lines. This special promotion runs through August 2 and includes round-trip travel; all you need to do is show your ticket.

⭐⭐⭐1/2 Stars

Cadillac Palace

Disney Beauty and the Beast

Book by Linda Woolverton

Directed and Choreographed by Matt West

Playing Now through August 2, 2025

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