AUBURN — Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is pure enchantment from beginning to end in the current production on the Community Little Theatre stage.

It’s a breathtaking blend of color, action, comedy and song that’s a sure-fire delight for youngsters and adults. The show’s spectacular staging ranks at the top of any area presentation, and the talented cast members, from lead roles to ensemble actors, deliver excellent performances.
Belle is delightfully portrayed by Emily Flynn, who is repeating the role she played in CLT’s production 10 years ago. Her outstanding vocal talent is featured in “Home” and “A Change in Me.” Her duet, “No Matter What,” with her eccentric father, Maurice, is another highlight, and Dan Crawford is excellent in the role of her father.
Chip Groover is the beast, and he delivers an exceptional portrayal of both sides of the prince-turned-into-a-beast until he can learn to love. His entire performance is behind a large, full-head mask, but with skillful movement and voice, he goes from fearsome outbursts to tender moments in his attempt to regain human form.
Groover, who is playing a leading role for the first time at CLT, gives a fine vocal rendition of “If I Can’t Love Her.”
Gaston, the village braggart and bully who believes he can win Belle’s hand in marriage, is played to full comedic effect by Phillip Warren. It’s his second CLT appearance, following a 2012 debut as the Lion in CLT’s “The Wiz.”
Scotty Venable provides lots of laughs as Lefou, Gaston’s sidekick who is constantly knocked head-over-heels by the bully.
The enchanted characters (castle workers who have been changed into pieces of furniture and tableware) are wonderfully costumed and several of them have key parts in the play.
Mitchell Clyde Thomas repeats his role of Lumiere, a suave, French debonair candelabra who is maître d’ of the castle. He and David T. Handley as Cogsworth, a pretentious mantle clock, keep up a running verbal duel. Both are popular CLT veterans.
Jordan L. Payne makes her debut with CLT as Mrs. Potts, the enchanted teapot. She gives a fine rendition of the familiar title song about this “tale as old as time.” Payne has a long list of musical theater credits.
“Be Our Guest,” the enchanted characters’ signature song, is a crowd-pleaser, as is their hopeful song, “Human Again.”
Mallory Haynes-White plays Chip, a young tea cup who is Mrs. Potts’ son. It’s her seventh CLT appearance.
Christine Gill hits some very high notes as Madame de la Grande Bouche, an opera diva turned into a wardrobe; Jessica Henson is Babette, an enchanted feather duster; and Lindsay Cagney, Myranda Michaud and Felicia Mcleod play Three Silly Girls.
Members of the ensemble are Maxwell Draper, Jeff Fairfield, Dexter Casto, Ken Mansur, Meredith Crawford, Debbie Mansur, Casey Griffin, Mackenzie Richard, Phil Vampatella, Genevieve Hering, Olivia DuBois, Sophie Wood,
Phoebe Gouette, Nicole Chase, Stefanie Lynn, and Adam Talpey.
Director Richard Martin leads a cast of 29 through this production, and he gives full attention to performance detail for every actor. It’s the fourth production of “Beauty and the Beast” that he has directed in 25 years. He is assisted by Vincent Ratsavong, whose choreography adds a high level of charm and excitement.
The “Mug Dance” in the tavern is a high point as a dozen or more dancers with tankards in each hand go through some intricate moves.
There’s a rousing final battle scene between the beast and Gaston atop the castle tower as the village mob runs into a frantic and effective defense from the enchanted people. The concluding transformation scene caps an exceptional CLT production.
Special credit is deserved for costumer Jennifer Fox whose work follows the familiar Disney designs very closely. Special recognition also goes to the technical and set construction crews.
Paul G. Caron, musical director, leads an excellent 10-piece orchestra.
Friday’s opening night drew a nearly full house.
Remaining performances of “Beauty and the Beast” are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25, 26 and 27 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 28. For tickets, call the box office at 207-783-0958 or go online to www.laclt.com.
The Great Falls Performing Arts Center is at 30 Academy St., Auburn.