I fell in love with the story of Beauty and the Beast back in 1991 when the Disney movie came out. I knew the lyrics to every song by heart and watched the movie over and over. So it was a dream come true to watch Beauty and the Beast come to life on stage in Singapore. To be honest, I was even more excited than Anya before the show!
Beauty and the Beast is the story of Belle, a beautiful young woman trapped in a provincial town who finds her escape in the books that she loves to read, and the Beast, a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. Belle promises to stay with the Beast in his castle in exchange for her father’s freedom. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self.
With a dreamy, far-off look and her nose stuck in a book
The story is complicated by Gaston, the macho man who is all brawn and no brains. He is determined to marry Belle, even if it means resorting to despicable means and emotional blackmail. The scene in the tavern where his admirers tell Gaston how much they adore him is one of my favourites because of the high energy level and the comic relief provided.
No one’s slick as Gaston, no one’s quick as Gaston’s
It was wonderful to see how the enchanted humans in the Beast’s castle were thoroughly convincing as the household objects they were representing. As in the movie, Lumiere the candelabra stole the show with his sharp wit and flamboyance. Little Chip the teacup was utterly endearing even though we could see only his head for most of the show. Anya was entranced by ‘Be Our Guest’ and declared that her favourite characters in that song were the plates!
I can’t wait to be human again
Be Our Guest!
There was great chemistry between Belle and the Beast, from the initial tension between them to their budding romance, and you cannot help but root for them to fall in love and live happily ever after. I liked that the Beast was more petulant and gruff than the version in the movie because it accurately captures his frustration at being trapped in a hideous body and his awkwardness at not having interacted with another human being for such a long time.
If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell…
Beauty and the Beast
The entire cast of Beauty and the Beast is superb and completely deserving of the standing ovation they received at the end of the show. Belle’s voice is outstanding and amazing, and it is worth watching the show just to hear her sing. Beauty and the Beast is truly a must-watch for any age and is the best musical I have seen in years. Do not miss it!
TICKETING AND SHOW INFORMATION
SEASON: 21 Mar – 19 April 2015
PERFORMANCE TIMES: Tue – Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm
TICKET PRICE: From $65 (Excludes the booking fee of $3 per ticket)
THROUGH INTERNET: Marina Bay Sands Ticketing or SISTIC
BY PHONE: 6688 8826
IN PERSON AT: Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby)
Disclaimer: We received two complimentary tickets to watch this performance. All opinions are my own. All photos used are from Base Entertainment.