By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Qatar witnessed its first ever original Broadway show with the premiere of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) last night.
The musical spectacular’s Doha stint celebrates the show’s 20th anniversary on stage and is part of a world tour across Asia and the Middle East.
The show based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated film never failed to enthrall the audience bringing from screen to stage songs that have become part life of many a Disney fan around the world.
Briana Rapa is stunning and vibrant as Belle and Mark Beyer both terrifying and charming as the Beast. They capture the audience’s hearts with their convincing portrayal of the well-loved Disney characters delivering lines from the original film.
Brian Crawford Scott who plays the egotistical Gaston and Marq Johnson as the debonair Lumiere with the whole cast present an exceptional performance never before seen on a Doha stage.
Gathering the original Broadway creative team together, the dazzling show does not only stand out for the classic story and beautiful music but is a visual feast with the eye-catching costumes, props and set combined with stunning lighting and special effects.
It took a Boeing 777 freight aircraft to transport 77 tonnes of set, props and costumes for the Doha show which involves 40 actors and 30 technical experts.
It proves why it is one of the highest grossing and longest running Broadway shows entertaining over 35 million theatre lovers around the world.
The musical also reveals the capability of the QNCC to stage world-class shows.
The show is brought to Doha by Disney Theatrical Productions, Broadway Entertainment Group and NETworks Presentations in cooperation with Qatar’s Premium Events with Qatar Tourism Authority as main sponsor.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self.
Directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, the musical boasts music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman.
The show includes 15 performances running until December 19 at the QNCC Main Theatre.
The Peninsula
