Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...I don't understand why such a popular title, which can sell out in Chicago far faster than a romantic rose can bloom, can't still be toured with the kind of brilliant character actors who once made Lumiere Mrs. Potts and the rest the most emotionally rich inanimate objects in the entire theatrical universe. The audience still wants to meet them."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...This version has somewhat less flash and grandeur than previous editions. And for the most part it feels lighter, brighter and more swiftly paced, with the show's humorous elements more prominent than its darker side this time around. In fact, this subtly altered take on the show -- whose lively, tuneful score is the work of composer Alan Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and whose sensitive book was penned by Linda Woolverton -- might well be dubbed the "unpretentious" edition."
Copley News Service
- Recommended
"... The production at the Cadillac Palace looks very good for a touring production. The costumes are opulent, occasionally even sexy. The sets are splashy, slid on and off stage by mute characters dressed in weird outfits. The special effects hold up, especially in the final scene when the beast levitates into the air and turns back into the handsome prince."
Talkin Broadway
- Recommended
"...Rob Roth has again directed the production. His cast performs mostly in a presentational children's theater style, so there's not much subtlety or nuance, but Shivener and Glaser have enough heart to make us feel glad Belle and the Prince get together at the end. The cast lands all jokes intended for the kids, but have less luck with the awkward PG-rated innuendos in Linda Woolverton's book, mostly surrounding Babette and the Wardrobe (Madame de la Grande Bouche). Matt West again choreographed and his dance steps here are so simple and familiar that the big production number "Be Our Guest" feels like a little bit of a waste of all the costumes and scenery employed in it."
Centerstage
- Highly Recommended
"...Opulent, vibrantly colorful and brimming with beautiful music this non-Equity National tour of Disney's 1991 animated musical hit film breezes into Chicago for a week, just in time for spring break. It is a production worth treating the entire family to, whether it's their first or 50th visit with Belle, the Beast and all their magical friends."
ChicagoCritic
- Somewhat Recommended
"...I must say that the overall strength of the songs, the colorful staging and the worthy story makes Beauty and the Beast a “kid-proof” show. The children in attendance enjoyed the show more than I did."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Somewhat Recommended
"...This troup will be on the road through August, and to be honest they seemed a little tired. Often, the first night of the move-in is not the best as they have just packed in one city, boarded a bus (or several in this case), arrived in the new town, got adjusted while the set was reset and had a walk through and then opening night. So based on all my years working in and attending theater, I am going to say that the energy level will get stronger as the cast members get some needed rest and get to spend a few days sight seeing in the greatest theater town in the world."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Small children who are fans of the cartoon will probably enjoy the show, granted they aren’t scared of some of the darker scenes, including the stabbing of the Beast. It may instead be the adults who are squirming in their seats, wishing they had just rented the cartoon instead."
