THEATRE
Beauty and the Beast 
Presented by
Saratoga Drama Group
at
Saratoga Civic Theater
September 22-October 13, 2007
Avg. Event Rating (4.8 Stars):
Add Review/Comment
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Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature, the stage version includes all pf the wonderful songs from the film such as Gaston, Human Again, Be Our Guest, and the titular Beauty and the Beast. Audiences will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father, a dotty inventor. When her father doesn't return home from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find hi. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the "tale as old as time" begins.
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At-a-
Glance
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Venue Info
Saratoga Civic Theater
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets: $18-$28
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Dates & Times
Dates:
September 22-October 13, 2007
Times:
Thurs-Sat: 8pm
Sun: 2:30pm
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Accessibility Info
Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Member Reviews
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Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"cool beans"
Comment
posted by:
Mary Alyce Wenger
from Portland, ME,
Nov 18, 2007
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"And Every last inch of me's covered in hair!"
Review
posted by:
K. H. Shawmore
from River City, Iowa,
Oct 12, 2007
We loved this show! Belle and the Beast were wonderfully cast and captured the essence of their characters through their voices and acting talents. We could really relate to the "Slly Girls" that...
Expand
We loved this show! Belle and the Beast were wonderfully cast and captured the essence of their characters through their voices and acting talents. We could really relate to the "Slly Girls" that followed Gaston (Aaron Weisberg) everywhere he went. He sure was a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream with a cherry on top. And, may we say, his chest hair was cultivated to the perfect length, thickness and consistency. His strong voice, characterization and bulky biceps launched fireworks into the theater. There were too many fantastic performances to list and we were transfixed by the fabulous sets and costumes and all of the wonderful talent.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Beauty and the Best"
Review
posted by:
SA
from Santa Clara,
Oct 08, 2007
I was blown away. So much packed on that stage. One of SDG's best offerings. Even the sound was good. This production proves Saratoga's stage can support even a major production effort.
I was blown away. So much packed on that stage. One of SDG's best offerings. Even the sound was good. This production proves Saratoga's stage can support even a major production effort.
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Lots of fun"
Review
posted by:
Michael Riley
from San Jose,
Oct 07, 2007
Caught Saratoga Drama Groups Beauty and the Beast Friday night. A wonderful show !A treat for the eyes and ears. Beautiful set, wonderful costumes all complement a very talented cast. I wish I could...
Expand
Caught Saratoga Drama Groups Beauty and the Beast Friday night. A wonderful show !A treat for the eyes and ears. Beautiful set, wonderful costumes all complement a very talented cast. I wish I could pick a favorite part of the show but I can't because the show is complete. C Michael Traw did a wonderful job directing and most important casting. As an actor I am glad I was not in this show because I would not have been able to watch it !
The show has something for everyone, kids and adults with a wonderful message. Each cast member brought their roles to life. From the Music, to singing, acting, costumes and lights this show is a must see !!!
Though it is a large cast, has a large set it never looked crowded. It would be a shame if the remain portion of their run was not sold out. Not so much for Saratoga Drama group but for us the the theater going public ! Very few shows these days have something for the whole family and this show is it!!!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Fantastic production"
Review
posted by:
Joe
from San Jose,
Oct 05, 2007
OK, I am *not* a huge Disney fan-- I'll get that out up front. That said, I must say I had a big smile on my face more than once during this show. This was a great evening out and a show you need to...
Expand
OK, I am *not* a huge Disney fan-- I'll get that out up front. That said, I must say I had a big smile on my face more than once during this show. This was a great evening out and a show you need to get to!
The cast energy was dynamite, the show looked beautiful, and the story was touching. (Has anyone else ever felt like an outcast or beast before?)
Very strong voices all around, and people who were obviously having fun up there. There's only one weekend left-- don't miss it!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Great Show.. Great Cast.."
Review
posted by:
ThreatrePerson
from Santa Clara,
Oct 01, 2007
I was thorougly entertained by the show put on by this wonderful cast. Belle, Afton Bolz, had a wonderful voice and really brought the character to life. I'm glad to know that Saratoga Drama Group...
Expand
I was thorougly entertained by the show put on by this wonderful cast. Belle, Afton Bolz, had a wonderful voice and really brought the character to life. I'm glad to know that Saratoga Drama Group can pull in such talent.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Spectacular Evening"
Review
posted by:
Katharine Hearne
from Santa Rosa, CA,
Sep 30, 2007
I've seen many area productions and I must give Saratoga's "Beauty and the Beast" an almost-perfect score. The costumes were magnificent; the sets extraordinary, although they could have benefitted...
Expand
I've seen many area productions and I must give Saratoga's "Beauty and the Beast" an almost-perfect score. The costumes were magnificent; the sets extraordinary, although they could have benefitted from a larger stage; the orchestra was the best I'd heard in a VERY long time & the talent undeniable. From the leads to the ensemble, every character was well developed and a joy to watch. The Silly Girls were a riot, and their choreography fun. Babette was a fabulous soprano and delightful. Cogsworth was "wound-up" perfection. Lumiere's actor truly embraced the character. Maurice has a wonderful, rich voice. Gaston's voice was strong, but a little bulk and "chest hair" would have been a plus. LeFou was hysterical. Mnsr. Dark was really creepy. The Beast had a rich voice but lacked emotion on his solos. Belle was oustanding in every way-beautiful to watch, her incredible vocals & acting made the show the Spectacular evening that it was. Direction, sound, lighting, ensemble-everything GREAT!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Simply enchanting"
Review
posted by:
Howard L. Miller
from San Jose, CA,
Sep 26, 2007
First, let me make you aware that I am a board member for SDG.
Secondly, I had nothing to do with this production except for being a board member.
I saw this show on Opening...
Expand
First, let me make you aware that I am a board member for SDG.
Secondly, I had nothing to do with this production except for being a board member.
I saw this show on Opening Night and it makes me very proud to be a part of this wonderful group. BEAUTY is THE biggest(and most expensive) show that has been produced at the Saratoga Civic Theater and SDG knocks it out of the park.
The sets and costumes are wonderful and all of the performers are second to none. Don't miss Robert Sholty as The Beast and Afton Bolz as Belle. They should be on Broadway.
Not to be missed are Jay Steele as Cogsworth, Bob Visini as Lumiere and Wendy Brownson as Mrs. Potts.
Kudos to C. Michael Traw for direction, Geri Sauls for choreography and Dan Singletary for a wonderfully sounding orchestra.
You guys have really set the bar with this one.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"My whole family loved it"
Review
posted by:
Carol
from Los Gatos,
Sep 26, 2007
I saw this show last Sunday with my 7-year-old son and my 72-year-old mother and everybody loved it! I don't know where they find so many talented people. All of the performers looked like they were...
Expand
I saw this show last Sunday with my 7-year-old son and my 72-year-old mother and everybody loved it! I don't know where they find so many talented people. All of the performers looked like they were having such a good time, too. The orchestra was very professional, although they did seem loud at times (we were siting near the front). But we really did enjoy every minute of this wonderful show. It's a perfect evening out for the family. Thank you!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Crackling microphone problem resolved"
Comment
posted by:
Jon Wenger
from Milpitas, CA,
Sep 24, 2007
I apologize profusely for the Beast's microphone connector that went bad during act I on opening night. Unfortunately it takes so long to get Robert into that costume/makeup that changing it out...
Expand
I apologize profusely for the Beast's microphone connector that went bad during act I on opening night. Unfortunately it takes so long to get Robert into that costume/makeup that changing it out during the show was not an option.
The situation has certainly been rectified!
Jon Wenger
Sound Designer
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Fabulous Family Show"
Review
posted by:
Greg from Campbell
from Campbell,
Sep 23, 2007
Attended the final preview on Friday night and I was
perfectly delighted with what I saw. What a super
show to introduce a young audience. All was first
class from the opening lobby display to the...
Expand
Attended the final preview on Friday night and I was
perfectly delighted with what I saw. What a super
show to introduce a young audience. All was first
class from the opening lobby display to the nice
program. All first class from producer Gary Daum.
The sets, the lighting, the costumes, the choreography, the musical direction both orchestra and choral were top drawer. Half price tickets for the children is a good deal also. I plan to go back with a group of friends and of course my old children.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Bring the entire family!"
Review
posted by:
SJ Drowsy Chaperon
from San Jose,
Sep 23, 2007
Excellent production now playing at the Saratoga Civic Theater. It is perfect for the entire family. Don't miss
it.
Excellent production now playing at the Saratoga Civic Theater. It is perfect for the entire family. Don't miss
it.
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Terrific Show, Lousy Sound"
Review
posted by:
Gillian
from San Jose, CA,
Sep 23, 2007
Saratoga has done a wonderful job bringing this
show to life, with a strong cast, powerful orchestra
and plenty of stage "magic." I was thoroughly
entertained the whole time, but...
Expand
Saratoga has done a wonderful job bringing this
show to life, with a strong cast, powerful orchestra
and plenty of stage "magic." I was thoroughly
entertained the whole time, but there were
continual sound problems at the opening night
show that I hope they will fix. The leads, Afton Bolz
as Belle and Robert Sholty as Beast, both had
beautiful voices and did excellent jobs acting their
parts. All of the supporting characters were also
well cast and made the most of their roles, no
matter how small, as did the lively ensemble. Sets
and costumes were quite lovely.
I'd definitely recommend this show to adults and
kids (I had seen the movie but not the stage show
before). There was plenty to delight children, but
some jokes and puns that definitely made the
grown-up audience laugh. I also saw they are
selling half price tickets to kids, which is a good
idea, I think.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"A Magical Fairy Tale Springs to Life"
Review
posted by:
Michael Spaventa
from Milpitas, CA,
Sep 23, 2007
Saratoga Drama Group has assembled a first-rate cast to tell the Disney version of this "tale as old as time," weaving in roughly twice as many songs as the Mouse's famous animated film had. And what...
Expand
Saratoga Drama Group has assembled a first-rate cast to tell the Disney version of this "tale as old as time," weaving in roughly twice as many songs as the Mouse's famous animated film had. And what a splendid telling it is, bolstered by the amazing vocal skills of Afton Bolz as Beauty and enough eye-popping costumes for half a dozen plays. (During a special opening-night speech, director C. Michael Traw made no bones about it -- this is the most money spent on any production for this particular stage, and it shows.) This is a story with genuine suspense, heart-melting romance and enough twists and turns to satsify even diehard fans of the beloved Disney cartoon. Opening night performance was marred only by an annoying body microphone that crackled loudly every time actor Robert Sholty (Beast) ambled onstage; once that technical blunder is fixed, please restore the one missing half-star to my review.
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Gallery
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Member
Reviews
-
All Member Reviews
Add review/comment
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"cool beans"
Comment
posted by:
Mary Alyce Wenger
from Portland, ME,
Nov 18, 2007
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"And Every last inch of me's covered in hair!"
Review
posted by:
K. H. Shawmore
from River City, Iowa,
Oct 12, 2007
We loved this show! Belle and the Beast were wonderfully cast and captured the essence of their characters through their voices and acting talents. We could really relate to the "Slly Girls" that...
Expand
We loved this show! Belle and the Beast were wonderfully cast and captured the essence of their characters through their voices and acting talents. We could really relate to the "Slly Girls" that followed Gaston (Aaron Weisberg) everywhere he went. He sure was a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream with a cherry on top. And, may we say, his chest hair was cultivated to the perfect length, thickness and consistency. His strong voice, characterization and bulky biceps launched fireworks into the theater. There were too many fantastic performances to list and we were transfixed by the fabulous sets and costumes and all of the wonderful talent.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Beauty and the Best"
Review
posted by:
SA
from Santa Clara,
Oct 08, 2007
I was blown away. So much packed on that stage. One of SDG's best offerings. Even the sound was good. This production proves Saratoga's stage can support even a major production effort.
I was blown away. So much packed on that stage. One of SDG's best offerings. Even the sound was good. This production proves Saratoga's stage can support even a major production effort.
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Lots of fun"
Review
posted by:
Michael Riley
from San Jose,
Oct 07, 2007
Caught Saratoga Drama Groups Beauty and the Beast Friday night. A wonderful show !A treat for the eyes and ears. Beautiful set, wonderful costumes all complement a very talented cast. I wish I could...
Expand
Caught Saratoga Drama Groups Beauty and the Beast Friday night. A wonderful show !A treat for the eyes and ears. Beautiful set, wonderful costumes all complement a very talented cast. I wish I could pick a favorite part of the show but I can't because the show is complete. C Michael Traw did a wonderful job directing and most important casting. As an actor I am glad I was not in this show because I would not have been able to watch it !
The show has something for everyone, kids and adults with a wonderful message. Each cast member brought their roles to life. From the Music, to singing, acting, costumes and lights this show is a must see !!!
Though it is a large cast, has a large set it never looked crowded. It would be a shame if the remain portion of their run was not sold out. Not so much for Saratoga Drama group but for us the the theater going public ! Very few shows these days have something for the whole family and this show is it!!!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Fantastic production"
Review
posted by:
Joe
from San Jose,
Oct 05, 2007
OK, I am *not* a huge Disney fan-- I'll get that out up front. That said, I must say I had a big smile on my face more than once during this show. This was a great evening out and a show you need to...
Expand
OK, I am *not* a huge Disney fan-- I'll get that out up front. That said, I must say I had a big smile on my face more than once during this show. This was a great evening out and a show you need to get to!
The cast energy was dynamite, the show looked beautiful, and the story was touching. (Has anyone else ever felt like an outcast or beast before?)
Very strong voices all around, and people who were obviously having fun up there. There's only one weekend left-- don't miss it!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Great Show.. Great Cast.."
Review
posted by:
ThreatrePerson
from Santa Clara,
Oct 01, 2007
I was thorougly entertained by the show put on by this wonderful cast. Belle, Afton Bolz, had a wonderful voice and really brought the character to life. I'm glad to know that Saratoga Drama Group...
Expand
I was thorougly entertained by the show put on by this wonderful cast. Belle, Afton Bolz, had a wonderful voice and really brought the character to life. I'm glad to know that Saratoga Drama Group can pull in such talent.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Spectacular Evening"
Review
posted by:
Katharine Hearne
from Santa Rosa, CA,
Sep 30, 2007
I've seen many area productions and I must give Saratoga's "Beauty and the Beast" an almost-perfect score. The costumes were magnificent; the sets extraordinary, although they could have benefitted...
Expand
I've seen many area productions and I must give Saratoga's "Beauty and the Beast" an almost-perfect score. The costumes were magnificent; the sets extraordinary, although they could have benefitted from a larger stage; the orchestra was the best I'd heard in a VERY long time & the talent undeniable. From the leads to the ensemble, every character was well developed and a joy to watch. The Silly Girls were a riot, and their choreography fun. Babette was a fabulous soprano and delightful. Cogsworth was "wound-up" perfection. Lumiere's actor truly embraced the character. Maurice has a wonderful, rich voice. Gaston's voice was strong, but a little bulk and "chest hair" would have been a plus. LeFou was hysterical. Mnsr. Dark was really creepy. The Beast had a rich voice but lacked emotion on his solos. Belle was oustanding in every way-beautiful to watch, her incredible vocals & acting made the show the Spectacular evening that it was. Direction, sound, lighting, ensemble-everything GREAT!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Simply enchanting"
Review
posted by:
Howard L. Miller
from San Jose, CA,
Sep 26, 2007
First, let me make you aware that I am a board member for SDG.
Secondly, I had nothing to do with this production except for being a board member.
I saw this show on Opening...
Expand
First, let me make you aware that I am a board member for SDG.
Secondly, I had nothing to do with this production except for being a board member.
I saw this show on Opening Night and it makes me very proud to be a part of this wonderful group. BEAUTY is THE biggest(and most expensive) show that has been produced at the Saratoga Civic Theater and SDG knocks it out of the park.
The sets and costumes are wonderful and all of the performers are second to none. Don't miss Robert Sholty as The Beast and Afton Bolz as Belle. They should be on Broadway.
Not to be missed are Jay Steele as Cogsworth, Bob Visini as Lumiere and Wendy Brownson as Mrs. Potts.
Kudos to C. Michael Traw for direction, Geri Sauls for choreography and Dan Singletary for a wonderfully sounding orchestra.
You guys have really set the bar with this one.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"My whole family loved it"
Review
posted by:
Carol
from Los Gatos,
Sep 26, 2007
I saw this show last Sunday with my 7-year-old son and my 72-year-old mother and everybody loved it! I don't know where they find so many talented people. All of the performers looked like they were...
Expand
I saw this show last Sunday with my 7-year-old son and my 72-year-old mother and everybody loved it! I don't know where they find so many talented people. All of the performers looked like they were having such a good time, too. The orchestra was very professional, although they did seem loud at times (we were siting near the front). But we really did enjoy every minute of this wonderful show. It's a perfect evening out for the family. Thank you!
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Crackling microphone problem resolved"
Comment
posted by:
Jon Wenger
from Milpitas, CA,
Sep 24, 2007
I apologize profusely for the Beast's microphone connector that went bad during act I on opening night. Unfortunately it takes so long to get Robert into that costume/makeup that changing it out...
Expand
I apologize profusely for the Beast's microphone connector that went bad during act I on opening night. Unfortunately it takes so long to get Robert into that costume/makeup that changing it out during the show was not an option.
The situation has certainly been rectified!
Jon Wenger
Sound Designer
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Fabulous Family Show"
Review
posted by:
Greg from Campbell
from Campbell,
Sep 23, 2007
Attended the final preview on Friday night and I was
perfectly delighted with what I saw. What a super
show to introduce a young audience. All was first
class from the opening lobby display to the...
Expand
Attended the final preview on Friday night and I was
perfectly delighted with what I saw. What a super
show to introduce a young audience. All was first
class from the opening lobby display to the nice
program. All first class from producer Gary Daum.
The sets, the lighting, the costumes, the choreography, the musical direction both orchestra and choral were top drawer. Half price tickets for the children is a good deal also. I plan to go back with a group of friends and of course my old children.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Bring the entire family!"
Review
posted by:
SJ Drowsy Chaperon
from San Jose,
Sep 23, 2007
Excellent production now playing at the Saratoga Civic Theater. It is perfect for the entire family. Don't miss
it.
Excellent production now playing at the Saratoga Civic Theater. It is perfect for the entire family. Don't miss
it.
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"Terrific Show, Lousy Sound"
Review
posted by:
Gillian
from San Jose, CA,
Sep 23, 2007
Saratoga has done a wonderful job bringing this
show to life, with a strong cast, powerful orchestra
and plenty of stage "magic." I was thoroughly
entertained the whole time, but...
Expand
Saratoga has done a wonderful job bringing this
show to life, with a strong cast, powerful orchestra
and plenty of stage "magic." I was thoroughly
entertained the whole time, but there were
continual sound problems at the opening night
show that I hope they will fix. The leads, Afton Bolz
as Belle and Robert Sholty as Beast, both had
beautiful voices and did excellent jobs acting their
parts. All of the supporting characters were also
well cast and made the most of their roles, no
matter how small, as did the lively ensemble. Sets
and costumes were quite lovely.
I'd definitely recommend this show to adults and
kids (I had seen the movie but not the stage show
before). There was plenty to delight children, but
some jokes and puns that definitely made the
grown-up audience laugh. I also saw they are
selling half price tickets to kids, which is a good
idea, I think.
Collapse
Event Name: Beauty and the Beast
"A Magical Fairy Tale Springs to Life"
Review
posted by:
Michael Spaventa
from Milpitas, CA,
Sep 23, 2007
Saratoga Drama Group has assembled a first-rate cast to tell the Disney version of this "tale as old as time," weaving in roughly twice as many songs as the Mouse's famous animated film had. And what...
Expand
Saratoga Drama Group has assembled a first-rate cast to tell the Disney version of this "tale as old as time," weaving in roughly twice as many songs as the Mouse's famous animated film had. And what a splendid telling it is, bolstered by the amazing vocal skills of Afton Bolz as Beauty and enough eye-popping costumes for half a dozen plays. (During a special opening-night speech, director C. Michael Traw made no bones about it -- this is the most money spent on any production for this particular stage, and it shows.) This is a story with genuine suspense, heart-melting romance and enough twists and turns to satsify even diehard fans of the beloved Disney cartoon. Opening night performance was marred only by an annoying body microphone that crackled loudly every time actor Robert Sholty (Beast) ambled onstage; once that technical blunder is fixed, please restore the one missing half-star to my review.
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