When Ben Jacoby takes to The Mac-Haydn Theatre stage in the role of The Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast from July 9-26, he once again does so with his own face obscured from view. Last summer, Jacoby drew acclaim from audiences and critics alike for his portrayal of the masked Phantom in Yeston & Kopit’s Phantom at the Mac-Haydn.
“There’s extensive make-up and prosthetics involved to create the appearance of The Beast,” said Jacoby, who came to Mac-Haydn this summer direct from performing with his father, Broadway star Mark Jacoby, in Light In The Piazza at the noted Maine State Music Theatre.
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Said Jacoby: “The challenge is to present the fact that the Beast is age 10 at heart, but at the same time he has this very gruff external appearance. There are moments of vulnerability and innocence, yet he’s also a monster. He’s scary. But you can’t get carried away with his anger, or there would be no depth to him. And you can’t just talk in the voice of a 10-year-old. He’s a very complicated character. He’s a person, but to what extent is he a cartoon?”
Jacoby added that because this is a Disney show, many people might think is “just a kid show, but there’s a story there for all ages. Disney’s almost become the standard of a great fairy tale mixed with comedy. There’s a lot of humor in this show. The castle is enchanted, and the characters are very bombastic and over-the-top.”
At the conclusion of Phantom, the dying Phantom finds himself in the arms of his true love, Christine, while Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in the end finds Belle cradling the dying Beast. “Some of it is oddly similar, but there are major differences between the two,” Jacoby said. “The Beast is under a spell because of a mistake he made. He can curse the world, yes, but it is his fault. The Phantom was born with his curse.”
Ben Jacoby as The Beast
Long-time Mac-Haydn Theatre Lighting Designer Andrew Gmoser is designing the sets for the show and has come up with intricate, elaborate pieces that will denote the various rooms throughout the enchanted castle. He also has spent long hours creating the special effects that promise to thrill Disney’s Beauty and the Beast audiences.
“Working a very big show into a small space is an art form at the Mac-Haydn,” said Gmoser, pointing to such recent productions as Cats and Phantom, with their revolving stages and hydraulic lifts, among other manifestations of visual chicanery.
With Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, audiences will see petals magically fall one-by-one from the enchanted rose in The Beast’s castle, flying set pieces, and a rolling set, Gmoser said, adding,. “Much of it, too, will come down to the costuming, the lighting, and the directing.”
Gmoser, also a veteran of Broadway-caliber theatre productions, said “The Mac-Haydn is at a higher level of professional summer musical theatre. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be even a step beyond that. We’re going to make it sparkle.”
PHOTOS WITH THE STARS, SPECIAL SOUVENIRS
Photos with the stars and special souvenirs are in store for The Mac-Haydn Theatre’s production of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The Beast and Beauty will pose with audience members on Friday and Saturday evenings, July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Each party will get one free 4 by 6 print of the photo, and will have opportunity to order more photos, as well as mugs and t-shirts at that time. Illuminating roses will be sold for all those who want to have a special memory of the show that promises to have some of the most exciting effects ever seen on and around the Mac-Haydn stage.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast promises to be one of the most intricate, elaborate shows ever on The Mac-Haydn Theatre stage. Make your reservations now – it’s an uplifting, fun fairy tale for adults as well as children.
Good seats are available for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast July 9 through 26. Performances are: first week: Thursday at 2 and 8, Friday at 8, Saturday at 4 and 8 and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.; second and third weeks: Wednesday at 2 and 8, Thursday and Friday at 8, Saturday at 4 and 8 and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $28 and $27; $26 for all matinee seats; children under 12, $12.00. Discounts are available for groups and senior citizens. Master Card and Visa accepted. No cancellations or refunds. Fully Air Conditioned. Call 518-392-9292 for information and reservations.
