Overview
Synopsis
Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney animated feature and dating back to a late 18th-century classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. There is a time limit, too: once a magical rose loses all of its petals, all hope will be lost and he will stay a Beast forever. The Beast’s enchanted household--populated by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip--watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another. Their feelings grow ever deeper as the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose--will they confess their love for one another before it is too late?
Show Information
Context
Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney animated feature, Beauty and the Beast is one of the most successful screen-to-stage adaptations of all time, grossing nearly $1.5 billion in 13 different countries since its 1994 Broadway premiere.
The source material for Beauty and the Beast is a classic French fairy tale, La Belle et la Bête, first published in 1740. Many of the details of this story were changed for the Disney film and subsequent musical (for instance, the character upon whom Belle
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Act One
An unseen narrator tells the story of a young, spoiled prince who lived “once upon a time” in a magnificent castle. One cold winter night, an old beggar woman knocked at the castle door and asked to be sheltered for the night in exchange for a single red rose. Repulsed, the prince turned her away, despite her warning "not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within." Suddenly, the haggard old woman transformed into a beautiful enchantress. Shocked, the prince
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Interactive Character Map
Visualize how the characters in Beauty and the Beast connect and drive the story.
Understand the relationships that shape the story of Beauty and the Beast
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Inner Beauty and Judging Appearances
In Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the theme of inner beauty and the perils of judging by appearances forms the emotional core, challenging audiences to look beyond superficial facades to discover true character and worth. Belle's rejection of the handsome yet narcissistic Gaston in favor of the outwardly monstrous Beast exemplifies this, as her empathy uncovers his vulnerability and capacity for kindness, while the villagers' mob mentality
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A vocal technique blending chest and head voice to create a strong yet flexible sound for higher pitches.
A character foil is one whose traits contrast with another character, thereby highlighting qualities in both. In No, No, Nanette, Sue’s strict propriety serves as a foil to Nanette’s youthful desire for freedom, emphasizing the tension between tradition and independence. The use of foils helps dramatists reveal character differences without lengthy exposition.
A character trait reflecting suave, charming, and courteous demeanor, often seen in comedic or romantic leads.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
Short for 'legitimate theatre,' referring to traditional stage drama as opposed to musical or commercial performance. The term is also used to describe a classical vocal tone suitable for operatic or legit musical theatre roles.
A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion. Frequently used in opera and musical theatre, leitmotifs help reinforce narrative continuity and emotional cues for the audience.
Describes regional or rural theatres or characters, sometimes suggesting unsophisticated or localized traits.
A male vocal range above baritone, commonly featured in opera and musical theatre for romantic or heroic lead characters.
The emotional quality or attitude conveyed in speech, text, or music, helping shape audience response and character mood.
