Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...But what matters most is the heartfelt tone of the show, which some productions have gotten spectacularly wrong. Not only is Beth Stafford Laird all-in, all night, but the scenes between her Belle and her pops (Ron Rains) are very touching, as is old Cogsworth (George Keating), realizing with his old pal Lumiere (Jackson Evans) that his worst fears have not come true. The princess-dress crowd probably won't get that, and let's hope they don't for years to come, but their parents will."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The visually dazzling and magnificently sung staging of "Beauty and the Beast" running through Jan. 19 at Aurora's opulent Paramount Theatre is So. So. Good. I'm about as romantic as Tuesday morning at the DMV, yet I found myself getting a positively misty when Paul-Jordan Jansen's charismatic Beast sent his good god y'all vocals soaring over the vast theater like a sunrise. "If I Can't Love Her" is an opera distilled into a single love song, and it is extraordinary."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Paramount Theatre's production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" is a dazzling holiday confection, a dark chocolate truffle with a sweet core."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...His play, a witty hommage to Beckett’s classic, is a raw and revealing glimpse into the actor’s existential dilemma, the helplessness that derives from being an interpreter, forever reliant on any number of random factors before plying one’s chosen craft."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...When The Paramount Theatre announced their schedule for this year, and I saw "Beauty and the Beast", I was ready. They have proven, production after production that the magic is in Aurora and knowing their history, I was sure this would be as top-notch as the touring company (or better). Once again, this theater has exceeded my expectations taking this Disney classic to a new level. With its solid cast of players, under the solid direction and choreography of Amber Mak, "Beauty and the Beast" is a sure award winner for this year."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Paramount Theatre has done it again! Decked out with glorious sets, sumptuous costumes and stupefying special effects, a lush-sounding live orchestra and a hardworking ensemble of singers and dancers, this production is guaranteed to impress and dazzle. With the holidays fast approaching, audiences should immediately reserve their tickets for a production that's still a "Tale as Old as Time," and one that definitely should not be missed."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...So first...let there be no doubt the entire production of Paramount's Beauty and the Beast is truly magnificent. Beth Stafford Laird's Belle is beautiful with a subtle female empowerment attitude; Paul-Jordan Jansen's Beast is all the jumbled emotions of ferocious, frantic and, ultimately, tender and kind. Every aspect of the show is Paramount-expected Broadway caliber."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Magnificent beauty and magic mark every petal of the rose that is Paramount Theatre's extraordinary production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," the theatrical juggernaut-with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton-that first bloomed on Broadway 25 years ago and has become one of the most beloved classics of all time. You can see why in the truly stunning revival now playing at the exquisite 1,800-seat showplace in Aurora."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...Walking into the Paramount Theatre on this opening night, it was impossible not to feel the excitement bubbling around the room. At the center of the lobby is a large Christmas tree - filled to the top with bright lights and ornaments. Surrounding the tree were audience members of all ages - and so many of the youngest simply could not stand still. Some were dressed as Belle, some as the Beast, and others in their own fancy outfits perfect for the occasion. The holidays are quickly approaching, and it was clear to this writer that Paramount Theatre offered these families an exciting way to kick off that time of year."
