By Cailin Acosta in San Diego, California
True beauty lies within. Inner qualities such as kindness, compassion, and courage are far more important than outward appearances. That is the central message of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, presented by Broadway San Diego at the Civic Theatre.
The musical begins with a young prince (Fergie L. Philippe) living in a grand castle. When he cruelly turns away an elderly woman (Kate Wessler) seeking shelter, she offers him a rose and reveals herself to be an enchantress. As punishment for his lack of compassion, she transforms him into a beast and places a spell on the castle. His servants are also enchanted, becoming household objects including Mrs. Potts (Christina Rose Hall) the teapot, Chip (Kanoa Edgar) the teacup, Lumière (Danny Gardner) the candelabra, Cogsworth (Javier Ignacio) the clock, Madame de la Grande Bouche (Holly Ann Butler) the wardrobe, and Babette (Cameron Monroe Thomas) the feather duster. To break the spell and return everyone to human form, the Beast must learn to love and earn love in return before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose.
In a small French village, Belle (Kyra Belle Johnson) and her father Maurice (Aaron Kaburick) are considered different from their neighbors. Belle loves reading books and dreams of adventure beyond her provincial life, while Maurice is an inventor whose creative ideas often puzzle the townspeople. Gaston (Stephen Mark Lukas), the town’s handsome yet narcissistic hunter, is determined to marry Belle. In the humorous song “Me,” he declares that he and Belle are beshert—destined soulmates—even though Belle clearly does not share his feelings.
When Maurice becomes lost in the woods, Belle sets out to find him. Her search leads her to Beast’s castle, where she discovers her father imprisoned. The enchanted servants are excited by Belle’s arrival and hope she may be the key to breaking the spell. Seeing that her father is weak and frightened, Belle courageously sacrifices her own freedom and agrees to remain in the castle in exchange for his release. Her decision demonstrates both selflessness and bravery.
The musical number “Be Our Guest” was a showstopper. The elaborate costumes, energetic choreography, and powerful vocals created a dazzling spectacle. As the number concluded, paper streamers burst into the audience, delighting the many young theatergoers dressed in Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown.
As the story unfolds, the enchanted servants coach the Beast on how to be a gentleman. They encourage him to be patient, thoughtful, and caring toward Belle. Over time, Belle and the Beast begin to see beyond each other’s differences and develop genuine feelings for one another. When Belle learns that her father is in danger, the Beast chooses to let her leave the castle to help him, demonstrating how much he has changed.
Back in the village, Gaston rallies the townspeople to march on the castle and destroy what they believe is a dangerous monster. A dramatic duel between Gaston and the Beast follows. Gaston falls to his death, while the Beast is left gravely wounded. As he lies dying, Belle confesses her love for him. The spell is broken, transforming the Beast and the enchanted servants back into their human forms. In true Disney fashion, they live happily ever after.
The musical had both me and my 14-year-old daughter, CeCe, laughing at the jokes and innuendos while singing along and swaying to the familiar songs from the beloved animated film. Beyond the memorable music and spectacular staging, the production delivers a timeless message: true beauty comes from kindness, compassion, and the ability to see the good in others. When we take the time to listen, understand, and look beyond appearances, we often discover far more beauty than we ever expected.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical runs until Sunday, July 12 at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.