Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite my quibbles with the production, it's always encouraging to see an audience full of children and their caregivers, and this bite-sized "Beauty and the Beast" is a good candidate to help youngsters catch the theater bug. As a bonus, if you stick around after the show, a few cast members will come out to the lobby in costume. For kids who are anything like I was at their age, meeting the actors and taking a photo together will leave them completely starry-eyed."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...The ensemble transitions like mad between scenes and personas, and the design elements are also divine. Jeffrey D. Kmiec's book-flanked set is gorgeous, lending itself perfectly to Mike Tutaj's novel projections, which transport us through the story page by page. However, most beguiling are the dazzling costume designs by Theresa Ham. This show is truly a feast for the senses, from glowing wolf eyes to cancan napkin dresses. (Be aware that some noises and effects may be frightening for younger children, however.) Bon appetit!"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...The Chicago Shakespeare Theater Disney's Beauty and The Beast production is a delightful outing at Navy Pier. The show is revised to a family musical of 75 minutes, just enough time to entertain any rambunctious little rugrats. Written in 1740 by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the story of Beauty and the Beast has been abridged, rewritten, and republished worldwide."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...“Beauty and the Beast” is a story as old as time, and we are quite familiar with the animated version that Disney brought out many years ago. Then it was refit for the Broadway stage and the music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman along with Tim Rice became “live and on stage”. The story is one that younger children can enjoy despite a few scary moments, and the version that is now being presented at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, has been cut to 75 minutes, allowing for even a 5 year old to get into the powerful story of love and redemption."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is back again with their wonderful family-oriented Summer musicals. Seen on the Navy Pier stage several years ago, "Beauty and the Beast" makes a triumphal return. Audiences will become as enchanted as the characters in the fairy tale as they enjoy this stellar cast, under the imaginative direction of Amber Mak. Theatergoers will walk out humming the score and will definitely feel at home, as they're invited to "Be Our Guest.""
The Fourth Walsh
- Highly Recommended
"...Now, Director and Choreographer Amber Mak masterfully modifies the musical for a contemporary and younger audience. Mak tightens the tale to a 75 minute family-friendly experience. She not only trims the story to the essentials, Mak orchestrates the action to seamlessly roll into the next scene. The transformations, crone to enchantress and beast to prince, happen quickly onstage. Scenic Designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec also aids in the transitions."
Chicago Culture Authority
- Recommended
"...The kids will be in awe of the fearsome Beast even as mom and dad wonder how he's going to possibly win Belle's heart in believable fashion with the clock ticking faster than James Earl Jones II's Cogsworth can swing the pendulum on his chest. Thanks to director and choreographer Amber Mak and soulful performances by leads Jason Michael Evans and Audrey Hare, the unlikely transition from fear and hatred to blossoming love doesn't feel forced."
Picture This Post
- Highly Recommended
"...The whole ensemble of dancers, singers, and actors adds to the magic of this play, in this writer’s opinion. The first time the audience sees Le Fou, he is stumbling onto the stage acrobatically. During his large song in praise of Gaston, the ensemble dances in a kick line while rhythmically banging their cups together, adding to the song’s melody. The personified furniture of the Beast’s palace comes to life slowly and unexpectedly. Madame de la Grande Bouche, cursed into becoming a sentient wardrobe, remains quiet and hidden under a mirror for the majority of her first scene, until she suddenly reveals herself, spooking Belle and the audience alike."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...It is a tale as old as time. The classic tale, Disney's Beauty and the Beast is playing this summer at Navy Pier in Chicago. Based on the Academy Award-winning film and Tony Award-winning stage musical this 75-minute version is the perfect outing for all ages."
