Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is back at Casa 0101.
After having a successful run in 2017, the musical returns for an encore engagement, by popular demand. Having missed it the first time around, I was excited when I saw the announcement of its return. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised.
The multicultural cast is one of the best I’ve seen since “In The Heights.” The standouts for me were the choreography and the beautiful singing of the cast. The space is so small and intimate, there is not a single bad seat in the house.
As the stage is set and the play is ready to begin, you wonder, how are the scenes going to fit in here? Talent, that is how. The production manages to transport us from Belle’s small province in France where she goes to her local library to, finally, coming to a grand castle filled with enchanted characters.
Gaston (Marco Infante) and Lefou (Maxwell Peters) had amazing chemistry at the performance last Sunday. Maxwell Peters did not cease to impress throughout the show, from unexpected somersaults to his keen comedic timing. Gaston, of course, is the villain we love to hate with his narcissistic, machista comments and quick wit. Andrea Somera played a wonderful Belle, from her graceful transition of caring and adoring daughter to a filled with courage, strong “prisoner”. She gives Beast a run for his money, or his heart.
Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts really bring the show to life. A little bit of unexpected dabbing to the classic “Tale as Old as Time”. Lookout for Abbe Drake, she has an amazing voice.
If you have kids or just in search of a date night, do not miss the opportunity to go to Beauty and the Beast. I promise, you will not be disappointed. It’s an all around great time in Boyle Heights.
Photo above: Jacquelin Schofield (Mrs. Potts, left), Omar Mata (Beast) and Andrea Somera (Belle) in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Broadway Musical at Casa 0101 Theater. All photos by Ed Krieger.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Broadway Musical” is presented by CASA 0101 Theater and TNH Productions (Teatro Nuevos Horizontes) in association with Councilmember Gil Cedillo and El Centro Del Pueblo.
Performances are Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm through June 10. Added performance on Thursday, June 7 at 8:00 pm
Tickets are $40 each for General Admission; $30 each for Students and Seniors and $25 each for Boyle Heights Residents and Children 10 and Under. For tickets, please call the CASA 0101 Theater Box Office at 323-263-7684, E-mail tickets@casa0101.org, or buy online at www.casa0101.org. Group Discounts are available by calling the Box Office. This show is recommended for families. Advance reservations are highly encouraged. The running time of the show is 131 minute
CASA 0101 Theater is at 2102 E. 1st Street (at St. Louis Street).
