Austin Theatre Scene: Beauty and the Beast at ZACH

(Front Row, L to R) John Christopher, Martin Burke, Jennifer Blakeney Young, June Julian, and Meredith Burke with Cast Disneyâs Beauty and the Beast at ZACH Theatre. Photo by Kirk Tuck

It’s the “tale as old as time” — the classic, beloved Beauty and the Beast is currently onstage at the ZACH Theatre in my hometown of Austin, Texas.

Beauty and the Beast stage production — Briana Brooks as Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

Beauty and the Beast holds a special place for me and my daughter (now 28). It was her favorite Disney film as a child, and we watched it over and over and over. Like many people who grew up with the story, and/or the movie, we both know every word of every song by heart.

So when I learned that Austin’s ZACH Theatre was doing a production of the tale, I knew I wanted to take my daughter (who had gone with friends to see the latest film version with Emma Watson on opening night).

The ZACH production was well done, and we both thought the costumes were particularly good. It stars Briana Brooks as Belle and Alexander Mendoza as Beast, and features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score, along with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. “Gaston” was a particularly rousing and fun song, with the audience singing along.

ABOUT Beauty and the Beast:

Be Our Guest! This “tale as old as time” follows Belle, a book-smart and adventurous young woman and Beast, a formerly dashing young prince cursed by an enchantress. If the Beast cannot learn to love and be loved in return, he and his household including Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Chip will be trapped forever under the spell. The Broadway smash hit showcases a merry, award-winning score with such favorites as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Gaston,” and “Be Our Guest.” This delightful family musical enchants and transforms hearts of all generations.

Directed by: ZACH Associate Artistic Director Abe Reybold with Musical Direction by Allen Robertson and Choreography by Sara Burke.

Age Recommendation: Six and up

Run time: Two hours and 40 minutes including one intermission

Beauty and the Beast is playing The Topfer at ZACH Theatre through September 2, 2018. Click here for more information and tickets.

Beauty and the Beast is playing The Topfer at ZACH Theatre through September 2, 2018. Click here for more information and tickets.