The beloved beauty and the Beast continues to prove its staying power as the newest touring production rolls onto two of Southern California’s most iconic stages. Audiences in both San Diego and Costa Mesa are treated to a refreshed visual palette, modernized dance numbers, and a cast that honors the original while adding fresh nuance.
In July, the San Diego Civic Theatre opened its brutalist façade to welcome the first North American tour of the Disney classic in more than a quarter-century. Directors Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart steered a talented ensemble through a production that balances reverence for the original animation with live-theater spectacle. The show immediately set a high bar, inviting families to rediscover the tale of Belle, the self-assured bookworm, and the cursed prince-turned-Beast.
Show-stopping performances at the Civic Theatre
The heart of the San Diego run is undoubtedly Kyra Johnson whose portrayal of Belle blends innocence with fierce determination. Her renditions of “Home” and “A Change in Me” illuminate the theater, and her crystal-clear voice keeps the character’s optimism unmistakable. Opposite her, Fergie Philippe inhabits the Beast with a blend of raw power and emerging humanity, especially during the poignant solo “If I Can’t Love Her.” Supporting roles such as Stephen Lukas as Gaston and Danny Gardner as Lumière add comic flair and electrifying energy to numbers like “Be Our Guest.”
Set design that tells its own story
Behind the performers, Stanley Meyer crafts a visual narrative that mirrors the emotional arc of the story. Belle’s cottage bursts with bright blues and yellows, echoing her hopeful spirit, while the Beast’s castle dwells in deep reds and grays, reflecting his isolation. As Belle guides the Beast “into the light,” Meyer gradually enriches the color palette, allowing the once-gloomy gothic interiors to blossom into hopeful purples when their worlds finally intersect. This thoughtful set design transforms static scenery into an active participant in the drama.
Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center reimagines the classic
Just weeks later, the production lands at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, where subtle yet impactful updates keep the show feeling contemporary. Choreographer Harry Francis reconceives the iconic “Be Our Guest” sequence with sweeping overhead shots and an extended tap routine that underscores the cast’s technical prowess. Notably, the traditional dancing cutlery appears less frequently, and many of the slapstick sound effects aimed at younger audiences have been toned down, allowing the narrative to breathe.
The new set relies on massive, movable scroll-work pieces that assemble the castle in real time, replacing cumbersome props with fluid, sculptural forms. While some visual choices—such as line-drawn wolf projections during the opening forest scene—receive mixed reactions, the
Cast highlights and behind-the-scenes moments
On the Costa Mesa stage, Kyra Johnson reprises Belle, delivering a nuanced performance that avoids the “belter” stereotype and instead emphasizes clear, resonant phrasing in solos like “Me” and “A Change in Me.” Opposite her, Stephen Mark Lukas embodies Gaston with a muscular presence that mirrors the animated foil, while his baritone voice adds depth to the swaggering villainous anthem. When lead Beast Fergie L. Philippe takes a brief leave, understudy Devin Archer steps in, showcasing a versatile vocal range that seamlessly bridges baritone and tenor, particularly in the heart-wrenching “If I Can’t Love Her.”
A minor technical glitch delayed the show’s opening by a few minutes, but a witty microphone announcement encouraged the audience to “use your imaginations,” prompting a wave of laughter and a spontaneous cheer from over 2,500 attendees—proof that the Disney magic extends beyond the stage.
Why the tour still matters
Four decades after its animated debut, Beauty and the Beast remains a cultural touchstone, proving that a classic musical can evolve without losing its core heart. The combination of refreshed choreography, striking production design, and a cast that honors the original characters while injecting fresh emotional layers ensures that each performance feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, the current West Coast run offers a vibrant reminder that true love and kindness can still illuminate even the darkest corners.
