Beauty and the Beast

producer: Disney on Broadway

^{Running since: March, 1994}
A lush, gilded, and gaudy stage production of the classic Disney film. Family-friendly to a fault, this is a great choice for groups with young children.

The Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast closed July 29, 2007. For current Broadway show listings and tickets, please click here.

Despite the grim story, Disney has managed to make this an evening of almost uninterrupted sweetness and light. The bewitched Beast dwells in a dark castle with a magic mirror, awaiting true love - the beautiful daughter of a local inventor knocks on the door, and the story begins. The stirring music, brilliantly colored costumes and lights, and a cast of young performers ready to �cut loose� makes this show a very enjoyable evening.

This lavish production (one of the longest-running shows on Broadway) may be a bit "theme park" for frequent theatergoers, but it can be a very enjoyable evening for families looking for tried-and-true entertainment. The show includes the well-loved "Be Our Guest" number (dancing plates, talking tea kettles, and all), and a transformation moment that always seems to deliver the appropriate oohs and aahs.

Cast News: Anneliese van der Pol from The Disney Channel plays "Belle". Donny Osmond will play the last performance only. (There's no truth to the rumor that he intends to do the same for The Year of Magical Thinking.)

Simultaneous description is available in several languages:

Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Here's a (very low-fi) clip from the show's performance on the Tony Awards. (You may have to click twice on the arrow to play it.)