Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre was alive last Friday night as thousands of fans filled the open-air auditorium for Disney’s instant-classic musical, Beauty and the Beast. The delightful sounds of music and singing by a star-studded cast was accompanied with uproarious laughter and applause throughout. There was so much excitement from the audience that even the actors had to acknowledge the enthusiasm.
It’s been over a decade since Moonlight produced this family classic. This year Artistic Director Steven Glaudini wanted to make the show even more special for the actors and audience so he brought on board Jamie Torcellini to direct. Torcellini appeared in the original Los Angeles production and would later transfer to Broadway playing LeFou. Bill Burs was brought aboard to choreograph and was also in the Los Angeles production before taking the show to Broadway where he supervised the production.
This performance of Beauty and the Beast enchants the entire audience with its heartfelt story, beautiful musical numbers and hilarious antics. In fact, if you want to see a better Gaston than even Disneyland has to offer, look no further than Evan White. This is the perfect role for White who gets to show off those hard earned biceps, and yes they are real. He steals every scene with his mesmerizing vocals. Just like the towns people, you can’t help but worship him.
Evan White as Gaston by Ken Jacques Photography
Gaston wouldn’t be Gaston without his sidekick, Lefou. Zane Camacho is as much a scene stealer as White (Gaston) in this production. Camacho embodies this character not only with his pure acting skills but adds some of that physical comedic genius that came to prominence with greats like Jerry Lewis.
Now we can’t forget the true star of the show, Jeanna Lea Rosen as Belle. The moment she walks on stage you could feel the audience excitement build and from that first note she had them in her hand. At only 22, she carries such a presence on stage that it seems like she must have been doing this for decades.
The rest of the leading cast from Michael Paternostro as Lumiere, Bets Malone as Mrs. Potts, Jerald Vincent as Cogsworth and the ensemble all compliment each other and make this one of the strongest casts that Moonlight has put together.
Left to right Michael Paternostro as Lumiere, Michael Deni as Beast and Bets Malone as Mrs.Potts
by Ken Jacques Photography
The only thing that pulled me out of the show was the dated opening projection provided by Jonathan Infante of Infante Media. It looked more like a game of Minecraft and certainly didn’t stand up to the performance of the cast and crew; and isn’t something Moonlight has control over. Ever since Pixar hit debuted Toy Story some 26 years ago, we’ve grown accustomed to higher levels of production value when it comes to animated products. This didn’t even look as good as that. I’m not even sure that it was necessary as the voice over could have occurred without the projection. All-in-all, the opening animation was more a distraction than an asset. Hopefully this is something that Infante Media can address if they update the show.
Nevertheless, this is going to be a record-breaking show as they’ve already added Tuesday evening performances. If you want to see a magical live production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast then hurry on over and get some tickets from Moonlight Stage Productions. It was definitely a great Friday for me, enjoying one of my favorite Disney films come to life on the stage.
The Company by Ken Jacques Photograph
Beauty and the Beast Cast
Jenna Lea Rosen as Belle, Michael Deni as the Beast, Michael Paternostro as Lumiere, Bets Malone as Mrs. Potts, Jerald Vincent as Cogsworth and Evan White as Gaston.
ENSEMBLE: Mikayla Agrella (Babette), Jake Bradford (Ensemble), Josh Bradford (Ensemble), Gerilyn Brault (Ensemble), Laura Bueno (Ensemble), Zane Camacho (LeFou), Sandy Cameron (Ensemble), John Cardenas (Ensemble), Sarah Colt (Ensemble), Taylor Evans (Silly Girl/Ensemble), Cole Fletcher (Ensemble), Jack Gemmell (Ensemble), Abraham German (Chip), Augusto Guardado (Ensemble), Carly Haig (Silly Girl/Ensemble), Bryce Hamilton (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Cody Klepolo (Ensemble), Colden Lamb (Ensemble), Jordan Mazzocato (M. D’Arque/Ensemble), Billy McGavin (Ensemble), Ashlyn Miller (Ensemble), Sebastian Montenegro (Ensemble), Greg Nicholas (Ensemble), Bennett Selby (Ensemble) Kumari Small (Ensemble) and Jenna Viana (Ensemble).
Ticket Information
Single tickets for Moonlight Stage production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast range from $17 – $57. There are discounts for Seniors and Students and military. For tickets contact The Moonlight Amphitheatre at 760-724-2110 or visit the Moonlight Stage Productions Ticket Website.
Schedule
July 21 – August 7, 2021
Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Curtain at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $17 – $59
Moonlight Amphitheater Location
The Moonlight Amphitheatre is located at 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084
Take the Civic Center Drive and exit off Highway 78, go north. Turn right on E Vista Way. Turn right on Vale Terrace. Continue on Vale Terrace about 1/2 mile and turn left into Brengle Terrace Park.
Parking at Moonlight Amphitheatre
There is free parking available at Brengle Terrace Park. Shuttle service is available for those who end up parking in the upper grass lot. The shuttle will begin running 2.5 hours before the show starts as well as after the show.
For more information and tickets call The Moonlight Amphitheatre at 760-724-2110 or visit The Moonlight Stage Production website.
Moonlight Stage Production Season 2021
A Chorus Line: August 1 – September 4
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan: Sep 15 – October 2
