340,000 musical theatre fans pack into Capitol Theatre for Beauty and the Beast
A beautiful production with beastly lines has seen 340,000 pack into an iconic Sydney theatre for “Disney’s classic musical romance”, with thousands more expected in the final three weeks.
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A beautiful production with beastly lines has seen 340,000 pack into an iconic Sydney theatre for “Disney’s classic musical romance”, with thousands more expected for the final three weeks.
Since June, musical theatre fans have flocked to the Capitol Theatre in the CBD for Disney Theatrical Group’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
Lead actor Jayde Westaby – who plays Mrs Potts in he production, said the experience of performing for Sydney audiences has been “extremely rewarding.”
“The audiences have been so full, they’ve absolutely loved the show” she said.
“You really feel the joy and celebration coming from the crowd in the bows and what a brilliant time they have all had.
“The final three weeks of the show, I’m sure will be much of the same feeling I have felt for this whole season which is utter joy to play the role of Mrs. Potts.”
The British singer said Sydney audiences will always hold a “very special place” in her heart.
“It’s the first city I performed in after moving from London nearly 10 years ago,” she said.
With an Australian cast, new sets, costumes and cutting-edge technology, the “showstopping” production number ‘Be Our Guest’ also includes a tap finale featuring Lumiere, played by actor Rohan Browne.
“Sydney is really hungry for art at the moment, I think due to lockdown, so the knock on effect has been fervent crowds and extremely supportive fans,” Browne said.
“This story hits a special place in peoples’ hearts, whether it be nostalgia or the messaging. “Sydney really gets it and it’s been a great joy to tell this story for nearly 250 shows.”
He said he will be looking forward to soaking up the sunshine in Bondi and enjoying the “summer beach vibes” with his wife and family for the last few weeks in Sydney.
Gareth Jacob plays Cogsworth and said he is feeling “bittersweet” in the final weeks of the tour left in Sydney.
“Knowing that we only have three weeks left is so bittersweet,” he said.
“Being able to share this story with everyone has been wonderful, and the whole cast is geared up to finish strong and go out with a bang. I cannot wait to make the remaining audiences laugh and fall in love with this timeless and iconic tale.”
The final Sydney show will take place on January 28 before the production travels to Brisbane and Melbourne.
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Originally published as 340,000 musical theatre fans pack into Capitol Theatre for Beauty and the Beast
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