Beauty and the Beast at Magical Starlight Theatre

“Beauty and the Beast”, as it is known today, comes from a French adaptation of a story found in many ancient cultures from Africa, to Europe, to Asia.  The timeless tale is a morality play asking us to consider two things: show modesty and respect for others, look beyond what you see.  In other words, looks can be deceiving, so humble yourselves and assume the best in others.

Our hero, Belle, lives near an enchanted and forgotten French castle whose resident prince has been turned into a beast as punishment for his selfish nature.  The enchantress tells him that if he can learn to love, and be loved in return, the spell will be broken.  The servants of the castle are also doomed to the same fate.

When Belle happens upon the castle, and is taken prisoner by the vicious beast, she finds the servants to be friendly and welcoming, despite the horrible beast.  Although her initial opinion of the beast is one of fright and loathing, she starts to see him through her naturally caring and understanding eyes.  Not knowing that she, alone, holds the power to release them all from this curse, she starts to feel something more for this ugly and terrifying beast.

Will she break the spell?  Will the prince learn to love?  Will they live happily ever after?  Is this a Disney story?

Authors

• Alan Menken
• Elsa Rael
• Howard Ashman
• Judy Spencer
• Kelly Masterson
• Linda Woolverton
• Lucy Kirkwood
• Michael Valenti
• Peter del Valle
• Tim Rice
• Wayne Blood

Tony Awards and Nominations for Beauty and the Beast