Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (the second longest-running show on Broadway and winner of the Academy Award for best musical score) opened at the Glendale Centre Theatre to a packed house.

Tim Dietlein masterfully plays the Beast, raging through the castle, using his height and deep voice to full advantage. His fierce struggle with a pack of wolves later in the play is quite impressive, and yet he's able to bring gentleness and humor to the role as well. His monster-like make-up might frighten young children at first, but only if they have not seen Disney's animated version of the tale.

Pretty, and vocally talented, Beth Obregon plays Belle, whose sacrifice to save her eccentric father (veteran actor Mario Digregorio) is what first catches the Beast's attention. His interest gives the servants hope, for only true love can break their evil enchantment, and time is running out.

Equity actor Sam Zeller is cast straight out of the animated film as Belle's boastful suitor, Gaston. Although he's the "villain" of the show, the audience guffaws and snorts at his strutting strolls, muscle-man poses, conceited "mugs" and big, booming voice. The word "ham" was coined for this actor, but the crowd loves every minute of it.

Gaston's diminutive sidekick LeFou ( James Paul Xavier) is often at the painful end of punches and slaps, but he manages to make it look comical.

Danny Michaels plays the lovable Lumiere in the grand style of Maurice Chevalier; suave, debonair, and delightfully French. Special effects allow him to "light" his candles, and Michaels does it with perfect timing. Cogsworth is played by Dean Ricca whose comic expressions and one-liners keep the audience in stitches.

Dynell Leigh is the rotund Mrs. Potts, whose stirring rendition of the title song, Beauty and the Beast brings wistful smiles to the hopelessly romantic in the audience. Her son Chip, played by William Behlendorf (by Caleb Jasso in some performances) steals the scene because only his face is visable in a cleverly placed teacup atop a cart.

Kudos go to choreographer Mark Knowles and the talented company of singers and dancers for such musical numbers as "Gaston" and "Be Our Guest," performed with precision and grace - and without a glitch!

All the rousing, full-company musical numbers, eye-popping costumes, incredible sets and exceptional acting all around, make this a magical show from the opening prologue to the glorious finale. It's sure to be a sell-out.

Playing Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.and Saturday/Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.,through Oct. 13.

Admission is $22 - $25. Senior discounts are available for selected performances.

Call (818) 244-8481 for details and reservations.

The theater is located at 324 N. Orange Street in Glendale.