For years and years I’ve wanted to go to Disney but with parents who hate amusement parks I came to the early realization that I was a disadvantaged child. At the age when I learned to walk they started reinforcing the idea that I could take my own children someday. Well, I might as well still be crawling because there has been little chance of me starting my own family.

However, while still in the Miami Valley I was treated to the magic of Disney with the performance of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as La Comedia Dinner Theatre. Without even having to stand in an hour long line to be strapped tightly into a compact seat the show included all the highs and lows of a ride on a rollercoaster.

The classic tale is the largest show to ever fill the La Comedia stage, its timeless theme, told by a collection of colorful characters is enough to entertain any age group.

‘Is beauty really skin deep?’ Let’s be honest, we’ve all pondered that question. Our attention is caught from appearance but it’s personality that really makes a person. At least that’s what I always try to tell beautiful women who see me as a beast.

That dilemma is the center of the story as the beauty is Belle, played by Heidi Giberson, perfect for the role in both appearance and voice. She is countered by Damian Shembel who portrays all the ferocious characteristics of a beast.

To Shembel’s credit, despite his beastly looks and behavior, he makes the audience sympathize with him when his true feelings are revealed. As I say when my face is broke out in zits and my nose has an unstoppable drip, ‘it’s the inside that counts.’

As trapped inside the beast is a caring Prince who needs to be loved by a woman to be returned to his human form. And nobody until Belle had inspired so much hope.

From the opening scene to the conclusion the show is stunning. The power of the story between Belle and the Beast is strengthened by a strong supporting cast that brings both comic relief and heart. Though turned into a clock and candle, Lumiere (Kevin Guzewich) and Cogdworth (Brian Padgett) never lost their sense of humor.

Joined by Mrs. Potts (Paula Whitaker) and the rest of the ensemble a crescendo is reached with ‘Be Our Guest.’ From the voices, costumes and dance I guarantee no more of an enjoyable experience can be had at the park. It’s magical and is worth the price of admission alone.

A cup of sweet tea is also served by Mrs. Potts with her rendition of the title song, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ while the central characters share a dance.

Also, James Doheny makes Gaston a fan favorite with his arrogant attitude by flexing his muscles and confidence towards winning the heart of Belle. On the night I attended he even incited plea’s to stop from a young boy in the audience when he went to attack the beast.

The scenery creates the illusion of actually being in the Beast’s castle with all its dark sanctuaries and the changes are quick and effortless back in to the city. The stage does come alive and if I hadn’t seen it myself wouldn’t believe just mere minutes before it was filled with a crowd filling up their plates from the buffet.

A sense of magic makes the final scene special, as the beast hears the words from Belle he had long yearned for and his freed from the curse.

Only in Disney or Hollywood, would a beauty like Belle disregard appearance and fall for the heart of such a beast but it makes for a wonderful story and the best production I’ve seen at La Comedia.

For your voyage to the Magic Kingdom reserve your seat and be a guest for ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ The show runs through August 31. Evening performances Wednesday – Sunday (arrival time 5:30 – 6 p.m.) and matinees Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday (arrival time 10:30 – 11 a.m.). Pricing is based on section/tiered seating and ranges from $47 - $65. Children 11 and under are only $25. Call (937) 746 – 4554 or 1-800-677-9505 for reservations.

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