Disney meets Dancehall

WI of the Future Staff

Date: April 21, 2025

A Review of DC Shell Theatre’s ‘Beauty & the Beast’ at NAPA

Local theatre is alive and well — and joyfully chaotic — in this latest whimsical production at NAPA, which dives headfirst into fairytale territory with a distinctly Caribbean flair. Drawing loosely from Beauty and the Beast while blending in familiar Disney beats, pop culture references, this, however, isn’t your classic Disney retelling — it’s a full-on remix. Picture this: one minute we’re meeting a “Belle” (we think?), and the next, the entire cast is singing and dancing to 2011’s “What Does the Fox Say.” Yes, seriously. And yes, they commit.

Fairy Tales With a Caribbean WINK

From the moment the cast bursts onto the stage, you know you’re in for a playful ride. There’s solid comedy writing here — genuinely clever timing and jokes that land. But it’s drowned out by an overly saturated stream of silliness. Every scene feels like it’s building toward a punchline instead of progressing the plot, and over time that gets exhausting. Instead of investing in the characters or the story, you’re just waiting for the next gag.

It doesn’t take itself too seriously — and that may be part of its charm. This is theatre made to entertain, made with love, and made to bring families into a space where magic meets mayhem. The energy is infectious, the cast clearly having as much fun as the audience, and the show shines brightest when it fully embraces its wacky, meta sensibility.

Strong Performances and Stage Presence

The cast deserves serious props for bringing bold energy and clear commitment to the performance. The Beast, in particular, steals the spotlight — balancing humor, heart, and musical talent in a way that grounds the show when things get wild. The wolf (or fox?) is another standout, with memorable voice work and physicality that had the audience in stitches.

Although the narrative sometimes meanders, there’s great comedic timing throughout, and the ensemble’s chemistry keeps the pace light and enjoyable. Kudos as well to the blocking and stage movement — clearly the result of focused rehearsal time.

Design Choices That Make an Impact

Visually, the show makes strong use of painted backdrops and lighting to establish mood and place. The main castle set provides a sturdy anchor for the action in the first half. Costume design for the enchanted characters is creative and fun — a highlight that brings the world to life for young viewers.

The audio mix could use a bit more finesse, particularly in managing high-frequency levels and ensuring dialogue clarity during group scenes. Still, NAPA continues to offer better-than-average tech for local productions, and the efforts here are evident and appreciated.

Finding Its Musical Identity

At times, the production feels like it’s caught between being a full musical and a play with musical numbers. When it leans into the music — especially big numbers like the Beast’s rendition of “All By Myself” — it absolutely shines. Moments like these hint at how much more powerful the show could be if it fully committed to the musical format.

And yes — the Phantom of the Opera surprise? Wild. But honestly, part of the fun here is never quite knowing what’s coming next.

A Show That Knows Its Audience

This show is clearly made with younger audiences in mind, and while some of the humor may fly over the heads of the kids, it lands well with the adults. There’s something heartwarming about seeing parents and children share laughter, even if they’re laughing at different things.

That said, tightening the story and pacing — especially in the second half — could help younger audiences stay more engaged throughout. At three hours, some scenes felt a bit drawn out, and a few families began to get restless an hour in. A brisker structure could help the energy stay high from start to finish.

Final Thoughts: Big Heart, Big Laughs, Big Potential

This production is a celebration of creativity and community. It’s theatre that’s accessible, energetic, and made with real heart. There’s room to grow — in story focus, musical commitment, and pacing — but the foundations are solid, and the spirit is infectious.

Local theatre is where some of the most exciting artistic risks happen, and this show is proof. It may not be perfect, but it’s bold, it’s funny, and it’s doing something different — and that deserves applause.

Whether you’re bringing kids or just a love for playful performance, this Caribbean remix of classic lore offers a lively, laugh-filled escape. And for that alone, it’s worth the ticket.