Disney's Beauty and the Beast

"Halfway through Act 1, we already felt like giving a standing ovation. Yes, that's how good this production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST musical is."

"...JStage's Director Carina Morales has brought the best out of her performers, who can be taken seriously because most actors have a tendency to overact in this make-believe masterpiece when it would be facile to do so."

"...choreography that is always breathlessly vivacious, the costumes intricately stunning, the props magical, and the music is acclaimed and glorious as any musical anywhere. Musical Director Kim Le keeps the audience entranced..."

"...Lindsey VanGerpen has not only defied expectations with her portrayal of Belle, but she also brings a refreshing maturity to the role that raises the dramatic stakes...Mr. Gutterman is an absolute revelation...Mr. Jordan is not only as good or better than his animated counterpart, but even brings to mind Luke Evans' Broadway take on the character...Mr. Hanson has the audience's rapt attention in the palm of his wick...a cast that has no weak links whatsoever."

"Overall, JStage's highly indelible production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST far exceeds expectations...a sensational show, overcoming a predictable plot, and rising to be just as emotionally resonant as if it were being experienced for the very first time."
-Chris Daniels, The Show Report

"Directed and choreographed by Carina Morales, with assistance from Klarissa Mesee, this show succeeds on multiple levels, from the dance-heavy showstoppers to the subtle technical details. Each cast member plays to their unique strength and is perfectly grounded in their role...From "Gaston" to "Be Our Guest," the cast hits all the iconic musical numbers with complete gusto and showmanship"

"With musical direction by Kim Le, every last note comes through perfectly and transports the audience...Lindsey VanGerpen effortlessly embodies the iconic Belle...Ron Gutterman plays the Beast and brings out the complicated sophistication of the cursed prince...William Jordan's version of Gaston easily rivals that of any Disneyland cast member. He is cocky and inconsiderate, yet there is still nuance that Jordan delivers in this comical performance that is perhaps only exceeded by his vocals. Faithfully at Gaston's side is LeFou, played by Gavin Hamze, whose unstoppable energy is delightful."

"..On top of playing the iconic candelabra (Haven Hanson) helps with the choreography while serving as the show's designer for production, scenery, costumes, and make-up. Each of these areas succeeds in its own right, creating a fully thought-out experience that pays homage to the original animation without simply copying from it. All of these elements come together beautifully for a night of classic Disney magic."
-Zach Johnston, The Orange Curtain Review

The Music Man

"William Jordan has the requisite charisma for playing Harold...Claire Manson's singing is beautiful, imbuing Marian with strength without sacrificing grace. Mark Schwartz as rival salesman Charlie Cowell was a standout...The child and teen performers were great. They do the lion's share of the dancing...The whole cast impressed me with how they sang as an ensemble. They were always clear, and they were never hard to follow..."

"...The costume and set design were beautiful. Everyone and everything looked like they jumped out of the pages of a storybook."
-Daniella Litvak, The Orange Curtain Review

The Sound of Music

"The Sound of Music was heartwarming, lively, and visually beautiful...the production was deeply heartfelt and full of talent on stage as well as behind the scenes."

"Kayla Rush, stepping into the iconic role of Maria Rainer had an enormous task ahead of her, and she rose to the occasion with total heart. Her Maria was vibrant, warm, and believable. Her voice lending an emotional resonance that carried through every number."

"The child performers were uniformly delightful...However, the scene-stealer performances among the young cast were Louisa Von Trapp (Alyana Durrani) and Gretl Von Trapp (Elle Reingold). Louisa displayed a mischievous, spirited energy that felt wonderfully natural, while little Gretl absolutely stole the audience's heart with her innocence."

"Lindsey VanGerpen was exceptional as Baroness Elsa Schrader, portraying her with sophisticated nuance."

"Thomas Patrick Proprofsky gave a powerful performance as Captain Von Trapp, skillfully balancing sternness with profound emotional vulnerability once realized once realizing that in mourning his wife, he was losing his family."
-R.C. Samo, FanboyNation

"Rodgers & Hammerstein's best and most extensive play, directed by Carina Morales, receives a strongly coherent thematic presentation, a vibrant and colorful tapestry of art, and a nod to the musical aesthetic of the 1950s...Designer Haven Hanson's costume design is a smorgasbord of delights..."

"Jaime Hoover gave electrifying performance as Mother Abbes in Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and everything she does.

"Proprofsky shows strength and vulnerability. Yes, he can sing too."
-Patrick Chavis, The Orange Curtain Review

Awards and Critical Recognition

Winner of The Orange Curtain Review's Best Young Actress Award
Claire Manson - "Marian Paroo," The Music Man, 2023

The Orange County Theater Guild's Notable Outstanding Achievement Award, 2024 
Sarah Leonard - Puppet Designer, Into the Woods, 2024

The Orange County Theater Guild's 2025 Award Nominations
Outstanding Leading Performance in a Musical - Claire Manson, Into the Woods
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical - Haven Hanson, Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Outstanding Costume Design - Haven Hanson, Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Community Buzz

"Exceptional artistic team. Truly world class! Bringing Broadway caliber direction and design to community theatre in OC!" -JStage Cast Member

"They do amazing work. As close to a professional level show as I have ever seen."
-Audience Member

"The acting was great, the singing exceptional, and the sets and costumes were beautifully perfect."
-Audience Member

"Carina Morales is brilliant and simply amazing with these kiddos. We are so lucky to be part of the JStage community."
-JStage Junior Parent

"You learn so much and you make great friends that will last a lifetime! JStage makes everyone feel comfortable, loved, and respected. JStage, thank you for everything!"
-JStage Junior Participant