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One More Week to see Beauty and the Beast Kathy Ballanfant (Village-Southwest News) Children in fairy tale dress, sequined and shiny, hovered in the foyer at Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center Friday night, hoping to meet Belle, the heroine of Beauty and the Beast. Michelle Macicek, who played the beautiful and sensitive Belle, has mesmerized the younger set throughout the opening night performance, and they were still under her spell. When she appeared in her tiara and golden gown, the youngsters rushed to her side. It was as if the other characters, also in the lobby, didn't exist. The children only had eyes for Belle. But who could blame them? Macicek's beautiful voice and princess-worthy portrayal of the beloved Disney character had captured the hearts of adults as well. Brad Scarborough as the posturing Gaston and Ilich Guardiola as the Beast were adequate support, but it was Macicek who made us believe the magical tale of the prince-turned-beast because of a magical spell. For adults, the highlight of the supporting cast was probably the castle's servants, the sad group of faithful employees condemned to become "objects" unless the prince can find true love. John Gremillion as the Frenchman Lumiere is hilarious, and the object of his affection, Babette (Kristina Sullivan), is absolutely delightful. Luther Chakurian is Cogsworth the clock, and his physical performance as well as his comic delivery as superb. Too bad there is only one more weekend to see this family-friendly show.
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