Singing dishes, dancing utensils, a talking candelabra, a singing clock and a tempting enchan-tress are just a few of the creations coming to life in the live stage production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Academy Award-recognized film was adapted for the stage and presented at the Park Theater by the Park Theatre Group, and directed by Logan Taylor.
According to Taylor, a cast of 75, and 40 crew members diligently worked to bring the show to fruition.
“We had four sold-out performances, and added another for March 24 in an effort to let everyone enjoy this experience,” said Taylor. “This has been a hard show to produce, but the community has been so supportive, and my talented cast and crew are just the best.”
The classic tale features Belle, portrayed by Savannah Saylors, who has participated in five of Taylor’s shows, most recently playing Jane in “Tarzan.” The Prince/Beast is played by Noah Brady, with him making lightning fast character transformations, and changing personalities of the two very different characters.
Stellar performances were delivered by Luke Nafrada as Gaston, and his brother Gabe as LeFou. The pair sang, danced and generally rough housed with each, bringing humor to the act. Also joining the cast was a brother Kai and cousin Abby Graves.
Their grandparents Marian and Cordell Crawford were beaming in the audience on opening night, filled with pride for their grandchildren.
“The entire show is awesome, and it’s fun to watch the boys interact,” said Marian. “They act this rambunctious in real life, but are also very good friends.”
Cordell has special memories of the former Park Theater, having worked there in 1959 peddling popcorn at the young age of 9. And then going on his first date with Marian to the movie house in 1966.
“The amount of talent we are seeing in these shows is awesome,” said Cordell. “This is the best thing that could happen to this facility.”
Christian Weeter as Lumiere, Carter Cantrell as Cogsworth, Mary Humphrey as Babette, Anna Kneipe as Mrs. Potts, Eloy Fernandez as Chip and Colton Smith as Maurice all had bright moments in the play, showcasing their singing, dancing and acting talents.
Opening night guests Tina Smith and Amanda Key were in awe of the cast, marveling at the talents presented by the young cast.
“I’m impressed, especially that the characters sound so much like the movie characters,” said Key. “Even their accents are excellent.”
Smith’s son, Colton, plays Belle’s father in the play, and is expecting to see his Nashville-based doctor in the audience.
“We told him about our theatre and that Colton was in 'The Addams Family' cast,” said Smith. “He came up to see the show and was very impressed that a town the size of McMinnville could be blessed with so much talent and such a nice facility.”
Park Theater is owned by the city of McMinnville. Cost of renovation was initially $2 million. A grand opening was held in May 2015. Since that time, officials have completed partial renovation of the balcony. The facility is available for rental for a variety of functions.
