"Tale As Old As Time" Beauty and the Beast Brings Dazzling New Disney Magic to Hartford's Bushnell
By Kiersten Bjork (April 7, 2026)
The national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, currently playing at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT, through April 12, is an absolute delight from start to finish. Bringing that special touch of Disney magic to the stage, the latest iteration of the classic musical will truly warm your heart. It’s packed with impressive vocals and dazzling dance numbers, all supported by gorgeous designs and smart direction.
The national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, currently playing at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT, through April 12, is an absolute delight from start to finish. Bringing that special touch of Disney magic to the stage, the latest iteration of the classic musical will truly warm your heart. It’s packed with impressive vocals and dazzling dance numbers, all supported by gorgeous designs and smart direction.
The Company of the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Danny Gardner, Kyra Belle Johnson, and the Company of the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton, Beauty and the Beast tells the beloved story of Belle, the bookish girl who finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle with a monstrous beast–actually a prince transformed by a powerful curse. As time passes and she gets to know both the enchanted objects that make up the castle staff, and the Beast, Belle begins to realize that, perhaps “there’s something there that wasn’t there before…” Featuring iconic songs such as “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” and the titular “Beauty and the Beast,” it’s a magical, musical tale of enchanting, timeless love. Orchestrations are by Danny Troob, with dance music arrangements by David Chase.
Originally directed on Broadway by Rob Roth, Matt West takes the helm as director and choreographer of the current tour, with support from associate director Sam Scalamoni, associate choreographers Jennifer Rias and Erin N. Moore, and movement coordinator Lorenzo Pisoni. David Andrews Rogers serves as music director/conductor, with Michael Kosarin on music supervision and arrangements and Michael Aarons as music coordinator.
The direction and choreography are wonderful across the board. From the high-kicking flatware in “Be Our Guest,” to the gorgeous movements of the human dancers in “Human Again,” Beauty and the Beast is packed with picture-perfect choreography and blocking. Working in tandem with the talented actors, the direction and choices for the physicality of the different characters is also very well done.
Originally directed on Broadway by Rob Roth, Matt West takes the helm as director and choreographer of the current tour, with support from associate director Sam Scalamoni, associate choreographers Jennifer Rias and Erin N. Moore, and movement coordinator Lorenzo Pisoni. David Andrews Rogers serves as music director/conductor, with Michael Kosarin on music supervision and arrangements and Michael Aarons as music coordinator.
The direction and choreography are wonderful across the board. From the high-kicking flatware in “Be Our Guest,” to the gorgeous movements of the human dancers in “Human Again,” Beauty and the Beast is packed with picture-perfect choreography and blocking. Working in tandem with the talented actors, the direction and choices for the physicality of the different characters is also very well done.
Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe in the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe in the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Leading the company as Belle and the Beast are Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe.
Johnson could not be more perfect as Belle! From her first entrance in an updated version of the iconic blue dress, to her powerful vocals on “Home” and “Change in Me,” she exudes the kindness, cleverness, humor, and strength that make Belle who she is. Together with Philippe, these two make pure Disney magic on that stage.
Philippe leans into the humor of the script, both vocally and physically, while still grounding it in the emotional arc that the Beast experiences as he moves from the gruff, violent creature to a playful, delighted prince. I'm still laughing over some of his delivery choices, from "act like a gentleman," to his responses to Belle being "difficult."
Stephen Mark Lukas plays Gaston with all the swagger and he-man bravado one could ask for. From flexing his muscles to showing off his portrait to Belle, he nails the role in all its facets, including strong vocal performances on “Me” and “Gaston.”
Julian Marcus De Guzman was on for Lefou at the performance that I attended (the role is usually played by Harry Francis) and he was absolutely hilarious. Chasing Gaston about–and dodging (or not!) more than a few flying fists–De Guzman gives us all the goofiness we could ask for, without taking it too over the top.
Belle’s father, Maurice, is portrayed by Kevin Ligon, who gives the quirky inventor just the right touches of humor, zaniness, and love for the daughter he holds dear.
Johnson could not be more perfect as Belle! From her first entrance in an updated version of the iconic blue dress, to her powerful vocals on “Home” and “Change in Me,” she exudes the kindness, cleverness, humor, and strength that make Belle who she is. Together with Philippe, these two make pure Disney magic on that stage.
Philippe leans into the humor of the script, both vocally and physically, while still grounding it in the emotional arc that the Beast experiences as he moves from the gruff, violent creature to a playful, delighted prince. I'm still laughing over some of his delivery choices, from "act like a gentleman," to his responses to Belle being "difficult."
Stephen Mark Lukas plays Gaston with all the swagger and he-man bravado one could ask for. From flexing his muscles to showing off his portrait to Belle, he nails the role in all its facets, including strong vocal performances on “Me” and “Gaston.”
Julian Marcus De Guzman was on for Lefou at the performance that I attended (the role is usually played by Harry Francis) and he was absolutely hilarious. Chasing Gaston about–and dodging (or not!) more than a few flying fists–De Guzman gives us all the goofiness we could ask for, without taking it too over the top.
Belle’s father, Maurice, is portrayed by Kevin Ligon, who gives the quirky inventor just the right touches of humor, zaniness, and love for the daughter he holds dear.
Kyra Belle Johnson in the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Fergie L. Philippe in the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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One of my favorite performances of the night is that of Danny Gardner as Lumiere. Gardner has found the sweet spot with the character–the drama, the comedy, the showmanship, the constant flirt–he’s got it all. “Be Our Guest” is certainly impressive, but honestly it’s in the smaller comedic moments that Garnder shines brightest–and had me laughing hardest. By Gardner’s side is Javier Ignacio as an endearing Cogsworth, the nervous, traditional head of the house determined to keep the ship afloat. Ignacio and Garnder are excellent scene partners, and the two expertly trade comedic jabs.
Madame–a charming Holly Ann Butler–and Babette–the bubbly-yet-sultry Cameron Monroe Thomas, are great fun to watch. Leigh-Ann Esty was on for Mrs. Potts (the role is usually played by Kathy Voytko), and Esty was such a joy as the kind, motherly character. Her rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” was lovely. Levi Blaise Coleman was on for the role of Chip, and he was absolutely precious. The illusion design incorporated into Chip’s cart is also something to behold.
The ensemble shines in countless moments throughout the show, from villagers to tavern-goers and dancing plates. The ensemble includes Benjamin Cheng, Spencer Dean, Michael Dikegoros, Masumi Iwai, Darrell T. Joe, Emily Larger (assistant dance captain), Melaina Rairamo, Grace Marie Rusnica, Ben Sears, Jasmine Pearl Villaroel, and Kate Wesler. Wesler takes on the role of the Enchantress, with Dean appearing as the creepy Monsieur D’Arque, Sears as the Bookseller, and Rairamo, Villaroel, and Wesler as the Village Lasses. Swings include Vinny Andaloro (on in the ensemble), Lena Matthews, Caleb McArthur, Ellen Roberts, and Michael Seltzer (dance and fight captain), as well as vacation swings Brianna Ascione, Kristen Smith Davis (on for a Village Lass), Matthew Marvin, and Carson Hampton Palmer.
Madame–a charming Holly Ann Butler–and Babette–the bubbly-yet-sultry Cameron Monroe Thomas, are great fun to watch. Leigh-Ann Esty was on for Mrs. Potts (the role is usually played by Kathy Voytko), and Esty was such a joy as the kind, motherly character. Her rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” was lovely. Levi Blaise Coleman was on for the role of Chip, and he was absolutely precious. The illusion design incorporated into Chip’s cart is also something to behold.
The ensemble shines in countless moments throughout the show, from villagers to tavern-goers and dancing plates. The ensemble includes Benjamin Cheng, Spencer Dean, Michael Dikegoros, Masumi Iwai, Darrell T. Joe, Emily Larger (assistant dance captain), Melaina Rairamo, Grace Marie Rusnica, Ben Sears, Jasmine Pearl Villaroel, and Kate Wesler. Wesler takes on the role of the Enchantress, with Dean appearing as the creepy Monsieur D’Arque, Sears as the Bookseller, and Rairamo, Villaroel, and Wesler as the Village Lasses. Swings include Vinny Andaloro (on in the ensemble), Lena Matthews, Caleb McArthur, Ellen Roberts, and Michael Seltzer (dance and fight captain), as well as vacation swings Brianna Ascione, Kristen Smith Davis (on for a Village Lass), Matthew Marvin, and Carson Hampton Palmer.
Harry Francis, Stephen Mark Lukas, and the Company of the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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The Enchanted Objects of the Company of the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer cleverly brings the audience from the village, to the castle, to the wolf-infested woods, and back again, utilizing everything from grand staircases to floating candelabras that fly across the stage. The scenic design works hand-in-hand with projection and video design by Darrel Maloney, creating an effect where even the projections are treated as scenic elements in how they are traveled in and out. A truly stand-out moment in the show was the projection/lighting/scenic design combination used to create the effects for the wolf attacks. The concept and execution are absolutely breathtaking!
Bright colors are present in the scenery, as well as in the excellent lighting from designer Natasha Katz and costumes from designer Ann Hould-Ward. The costumes, as well as the hair and make-up, designed by David H. Lawrence, are beautifully done. The iconic looks are given a refresh, maintaining the integrity of the original designs while adding new magic into the mix. I was particularly impressed by the pyro effects involved in Lumiere’s “Handlesticks.” Sound design by John Shivers is strong throughout, and illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer has truly outdone himself with some of the effects employed throughout the show, particularly the transformations.
Bright colors are present in the scenery, as well as in the excellent lighting from designer Natasha Katz and costumes from designer Ann Hould-Ward. The costumes, as well as the hair and make-up, designed by David H. Lawrence, are beautifully done. The iconic looks are given a refresh, maintaining the integrity of the original designs while adding new magic into the mix. I was particularly impressed by the pyro effects involved in Lumiere’s “Handlesticks.” Sound design by John Shivers is strong throughout, and illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer has truly outdone himself with some of the effects employed throughout the show, particularly the transformations.
Kyra Belle Johnson and the Company of the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe in the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Matthew Murphy)
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Relive the nostalgia of the Beauty and the Beast you know and love, while marveling as the magic of the refreshing, new take on the production. Enjoy the “tale as old as time” and experience Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Bushnell, now through April 12!
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast plays April 7-12, 2026, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at bushnell.org/shows-concerts/disney-s-beauty-and-the-beast or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900. Learn more about the production and view additional tour stops at beautyandthebeastthemusical.com.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast plays April 7-12, 2026, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at bushnell.org/shows-concerts/disney-s-beauty-and-the-beast or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900. Learn more about the production and view additional tour stops at beautyandthebeastthemusical.com.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.