This steampunk reworking of the classic French fairytale is sure to enchant audiences young and old
It’s a tale as old as time: a selfish man is transformed into a beastly form as punishment for his vices. The only cure? True love. A magical story that addresses loss, loneliness, friendship, creativity and love, “Beauty and the Beast” continues to enchant audiences in all its adaptations. Here on campus, the BYU Opera will take on this time-honored tale with “Zémire et Azor,” opening on October 20.
BYU Opera’s rendition of the French opera presents familiar characters, though instead of taking place in the French countryside, the story is set in Victorian England, with steampunk stage elements setting off the beautiful score. First composed in the 18th century by Belgian composer André Grétry, the opera now takes on a new life under BYU’s newly appointed opera director Shea Owens, with updated dialogue that will resonate with a modern audience.
Owens himself rewrote the dialogue, adding “some new scenes, elements [and] twists to the well-known story” that audiences will enjoy while still adhering to the melodic music.
While the music will be sung in French, the production includes spoken English dialogue, as well as English translations of the French lyrics on screens placed on either side of the stage, so that no audience member will be left behind.
On stage, the Beast in the opera will be portrayed by both a singer as well as a 10-foot tall puppet, operated by four puppeteers. In this telling of the classic tale, rather than being turned into a hairy monster, Azor, an inventor by trade, is transformed into one of his own mechanical creations. With a spiked back and a wheel in place of a foot, this Beast makes for a striking stage presence.
“In a day where so many things we see are electronically created, this is a rare opportunity to see a creation that’s, well, real-life,” said Owens. “[The puppeteers] are doing a great job at making it seem lifelike.”
Giving voice to this lifelike Beast are Lorenzo Larios and Matthew Paez, who were both cast in the role and will alternate performances. Both students are vocal performance majors in the School of Music.
Larios said that his character, Azor, is “a very misunderstood character” who attempts to break the curse put upon him throughout the opera. “Although on the outside he seems intimidating and scary, on the inside he is sweet and compassionate,” Larios said.
Paez, a sophomore, said that when he found out he was cast as the Beast, he felt that he was “stepping into big shoes” but is excited for the opportunity to grow in this role.
“I’ve grown a lot,” said Paez. “BYU and the School of Music . . . [have] given me so much and . . . I’ve had so many amazing opportunities that otherwise I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.”
Playing the Beauty to the opera’s Beast are Savannah Porter and Courtney Lawson, who will also be alternating performances in their role as Zémire.
Porter, a vocal performance major, said that she has been able to connect with her character as Zémire through her character’s passion and fearlessness as she “wears her heart on her sleeve.”
“She isn’t afraid to be herself, even when she’s a little different than the people of her town,” Porter said. “I have also been able to learn from her selflessness and kindness towards others.”
Lawson said that she hopes audiences in attendance will both “find nostalgia in an unassuming art form” with a familiar tale told in a new way as well as “feel hope through Zemire’s experience.”
“If members of the audience are feeling lonely or that they don’t belong in the circles they’re in, I hope they see that they will find their people and their tribe and that the timeline for each person is different,” Lawson commented.
To experience an evening of delightful music, impressive spectacle and touching storytelling, don’t miss out on “Zémire et Azor”!
For ticket information, go to arts.byu.edu.
“Beauty and the Beast”
de Jong Concert Hall
October 20–23 at 7:30 p.m.
Preview Performances
Saturday, October 16 & 19
All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status.