Engeman Theater's Enchanting "Beauty and the Beast" is a Visual Feast

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

Engeman Theater’s Enchanting “Beauty and the Beast” is a Visual Feast

Daniela Rodrigo (Belle) and Tim Rogan (Gaston)Once upon a time in a faraway land, this “tale as old as time” was the creative brainchild of the French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. Her fairytale entitled “La Belle et la Bête” (“Beauty and the Beast”) was published in 1740. The version we now know and love was adapted and revised by the French novelist Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and published in 1756. Almost 200 years later, the French filmmaker and poet Jean Cocteau wrote and directed a screenplay based on this beloved adaptation. In 1991, Walt Disney Pictures produced the award-winning animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” utilizing source material from Cocteau’s film and Beaumont’s adaptation. In 1994, Disney adapted this beloved film for the stage and brought it to Broadway, where it ran for 13 years. With a book by Linda Woolverton, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, this captivating musical includes songs from the original movie, plus some wonderful new ones, such “Home,” and “If I Can’t Love Her.” A song cut from Disney’s animated film, “Human Again,” thankfully made its way back into the stage version. 

The showstopping number of the evening was “Be Our Guest.” This musical extravaganza, complete with dancing dishes, bedazzling costumes by Dustin Cross, can-can dancing with high kicks, cartwheels, and splits, tapdancing, sensuous tango moves, and bubbles bursting out of Mrs. Pott’s spout, had the audience laughing, clapping, and singing along.

Much of the magic and wonder of this show is a result of the herculean efforts of the creative team. Accolades go out to the director, Drew Humphrey, for his attention to every detail and for bringing out the artistic strengths of this multitalented cast. Kyle Dixon’s imaginative and colorful scenic design seemed to take on a life of its own, magically transforming before our eyes. The high-energy choreography by Mandy Modic kept the show moving at a whirlwind pace. However, what captivated me the most was the opening number, where Kennedy Perez, dancing the role of the Enchantress, appeared otherworldly with her ethereal, graceful, and enticing classical ballet moves.

John J Trujillo (Maurice)Charismatic and charming, Daniela Rodrigo brought the right amount of sass and wit to the part of Belle. She demonstrated her stellar vocals throughout the show and gave moving renditions of “A Change in Me” and “Home.” Rodrigo was most convincing as the dutiful daughter of Maurice, an eccentric inventor, brilliantly portrayed by John J. Trujillo. In Act II, when Rodrigo entered the stage looking stunning in the requisite voluminous golden-yellow ballgown, the audience showed their approval by breaking out in spontaneous applause.

Joe Caskey gave an award-worthy performance as theJoe Caskey (Beast) Beast. With his impressive vocals and body language, he brought dimension to this complex character who goes from being an obstinate, spoiled, bullying Beast to a kind, gentle, and loving Prince. One of the show’s highlights was his heartrending delivery of the beautiful ballad “If I Can’t Love Her.” Caskey and Rodrigo had intense onstage chemistry, which was most apparent as they lovingly danced around the ballroom.

Tim Rogan aced the role of Gaston, the self-centered, muscular misogynistic villain of the story. Although pompous and dim-witted, this part calls for a strong singer to convey a sense of macho bravado, and Rogan certainly brought those characteristics to the comedic song “Me.” Rogan was most convincing in the terrifying “The Mob Song” scene, where Gaston inspired the other villagers to go and kill the Beast. Noah Ruebeck portrayed Lefou, Gaston’s foolish, bumbling sidekick. This part is laden with slapstick and physical humor, and Ruebeck’s antics had the audience in stitches. 

Robert Anthony Jones (Cogsworth), Jonathan Cobrda (Lumiere) and Caitlin Burke (Mrs. Potts)And of course, everyone’s favorite characters, the servants, having been transformed into inanimate objects under the Enchantress’s spell, got some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Caitlin Burke gave a memorable performance as Mrs. Potts and delivered a heartfelt rendition of the theme song, “Beauty and the Beast.” Sadie Mathers was endearing as Mrs. Potts’ young son, Chip, bringing warmth, cheerfulness, and wide-eyed curiosity to the role. Jonathan Cobrda, looking stunning in his dazzling golden suit and sparkling shoes, gave a hot, hot, hot performance, lighting up the stage as Lumiere, the candelabra. I loved his sexy interactions and onstage chemistry with the “ Oh là là ” Babette, the French maid turned feather duster, portrayed to perfection by the irresistible Samantha Littleford. Robert Anthony Jones brought his A-game to his portrayal of  Cogsworth, the high-strung clock. The onstage banter between Lumiere and Cogsworth was another highlight of the show. Celia Tedde as Madame de le Grande Bouche, the opera singer, stole every scene with her incredible vocals and charismatic stage presence.

Joe Caskey (Beast) and Daniela Rodrigo (Belle)The top-drawer ensemble includes Blaire Baker, Sam Brackley, Easton Edwards, Jackson Parker Gill, Grace Hamashima, Samantha Littleford, Sadie Mathers, Louisa Mauzé, John Neurohr, Kennedy Perez, Simeon Rawls, Noah Ruebeck, Mark Tran Russ, Celia Tedde, John J Trujillo, Dwayne Washington, and Alyssa Yard. 

After each performance, cast members stand in the lobby collecting donations for the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry of Northport. In this season of giving, please bring a few extra dollars to help this worthy cause.

John W. Engeman Theater’s lavish production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a story filled with redemption and romance and a must-see for the whole family this holiday season. This spectacular show runs through December 31, 2023. Tickets may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport. 

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.

Theatre Review 'Mystic Pizza' At Engeman Theater

Get a Musical Slice of Seaside Life at Engeman Theater

Left to right: Emily Rose Lyons (Daisy), Michelle Beth Herman (JoJo), Brooke Sterling (Kat), Coleman Cummings (Ensemble), Andryi Nahimiak (Ensemble), Stephen Cerf (Bill)While standing out front of the John W. Engeman Theater after Saturday night’s opening performance of the new musical Mystic Pizza, a gentleman commented loudly to his friends, “Oh, yeah, I liked it. I mean, I didn’t fall asleep. That’s how I rate a show as good!”  I can attest that the entire audience was wide awake and energized throughout this exuberant production. During the finale, the audience gave a rousing standing ovation as the company belted out “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” a song that was a number one hit back in 1987.

Cast of Mystic Pizza Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, this coming-of-age rom-com centers around the hopes, dreams, and loves of three waitresses in Mystic, Connecticut. The three talented actresses portraying the leads, Emily Rose Lyons, Brooke Sterling, and Michelle Beth Herman, are the glue that holds this production together. They have abundant energy, great onstage chemistry, and stellar vocals.

This jukebox musical features a book by Sandy Rustin and many belovedLeft to right: Brooke Sterling (Kat), Emily Rose Lyons (Daisy) pop songs from the ’80s and ’90s by legendary artists such as John Mellencamp, Van Morrison, Melissa Etheridge, and Long Island’s own Debbie Gibson. 

Mystic, Connecticut, is one of those seaside villages that are sleepy all winter long and inhabited year-round by hardworking, down-to-earth, often down-on-their-luck “townies.” In the summertime, the place teems with snobby tourists. The contrast between these two diverse groups is a major source of conflict throughout the show.

Emily Rose Lyons aced the role of Daisy, a tough-as-nails, proud first-generation American of Portuguese descent. Ms. Lyons is a charismatic performer and lit up the stage as the disgruntled, hot-to-trot waitress hellbent on getting out of Mystic by pursuing “the prince of prep,” Charles Gordon Windsor, Jr. By the end of the musical, Daisy has come to realize her self-worth and is no longer expecting a knight in shining armor to rescue her. She knows she has to save herself. Ms. Lyons showcased her powerful vocals with her soulful version of “I’m the Only One.” 

Jake Bentley Young gave a strong performance as Charles, a young man torn between his family’s expectations and his dreams of becoming an artist. Ms. Lyons and Mr. Bentley gave a riveting rendition of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” 

Brooke Sterling (Kat)Brooke Sterling brilliantly portrayed Daisy’s sister, Kat. She was most convincing as a Yale student, studying to be an astronomer, and juggling a host of jobs to pay for her tuition. Although Kat is a brainiac, she is clueless about matters of the heart, particularly when she crushes on a married architect, Tim Travers. Corbin Payne, as Tim Travers, gave a memorable performance. His duet with Ms. Sterling, “Into the Mystic,” was one of the highlights of the evening.

Michelle Beth Herman gave a tour-de-force performance as JoJo, a high-energy, conflicted young woman. She dreams of owning the Mystic Pizza Restaurant and frets over whether or not she is ready to marry her fiancé, Bill, even though she has loved him since kindergarten. Stephen Cerf was likable as Bill, and his hilarious wedding dance with JoJo was a scene stealer. Mr. Cerf also showed off his strong vocals during his solo, “Addicted to Love.”

Kathryn Markey rocked the role of Leona Silvia, the owner of the Mystic Pizza Restaurant. Ms. Markey is aLeft to right: Emily Rose Lyons (Daisy), Brooke Sterling (Kat), Michelle Beth Herman (JoJo) natural-born comedian and an incredible performer. When she joined the trio of waitresses singing and dancing to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” the audience laughed at her riotous dance moves and funny facial expressions.

When you enter the theater, Kyle Dixon’s realistic, charming New England seaside set will mesmerize you. The movable multilevel center section transforms with a few quick turns from the Mystic Pizza Restaurant into a rental house, the Peg Leg Pub, and a Planetarium.

Jose Santiago’s lighting design created the feeling of long summer days and romantic evenings, and the Planetarium scene with the mini spotlights was a clever touch. Mr. Santiago effectively created realistic flashes of lightning, and Laura Shubert’s spot-on thunder and pelting rain sound effects made the audience feel like they were caught in a surprise summer storm.  

Left to right: Stephen Cerf (Bill), Andryi Nahimiak (Ensemble), Brandon Kallen (Ensemble), Coleman Cummings (Ensemble), Michelle Beth Herman (JoJo)The funky 80’s costumes by Dustin Cross looked great on the cast. I loved the wedding scene costumes, especially JoJo’s spectacular wedding dress, worn with white sneakers, Bill’s white tux, and the bridesmaid’s colorful costumes and headpieces.

Igor Goldin’s precision-perfect direction utilized every square inch of the fantastic set, and Ashley Marinelli’s choreography captured the exact mood of every song in the show.

This show uses many realistic props, including the cast dancing with a pepper mill, parmesan shakers, and beer bottles. A big round of applause goes out to Kristie Moschetta for her Props Design.

This sizzling show, set in the iconic Mystic seaport, is the perfect way for you, your friends, and your family to bid farewell to summer 2022.

A special shoutout goes to the powerhouse ensemble, which includes Carey Blackburn, Coleman Cummings, Brandon Kallen, Kent M. Lewis, Andryi Nahirniak, Brandt Norris, Hannah Record, Molly Samson, Elise Shangold, and swings Paris Martino and Michael Morley.

The show runs through October 30, 2022. Tickets can be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport. 

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Long Island Authors Group. She is the author of Grant Me a Higher Love, Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships, and Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic. Two of her monologues from her full-length plays are featured in Smith and Kraus’s The Best Men’s Stage Monologues of 2022 and The Best Women’s Stage Monologues of 2022. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.