Photo Flash: First Look at Star-Studded Red Carpet Opening of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in India - Alan Menken, Madhur Bhandarkar and More!

Disney India brings the timeless classic Beauty and the Beast to the Indian stage for the first time ever. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this classic musical love story is presented to Indian audiences on the same scale as the mega-productions seen on New York's Broadway and on London's West End. Over 100 of the best musical theatre performers in India will bring the story of Beauty and the Beast alive on stage, with world class production values, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes, drawing inspiration from western and Indian influences. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the star-studded red carpet opening event below!

Having won hearts across 28 countries, this Beauty and the Beast musical will be completely developed locally in India, while retaining the original script and memorable music of the Broadway show. The production will be in English at 130 minutes in duration, with select shows across Mumbai and Delhi from October to December 2015.

Since Disney Theatrical Productions opened the original show on Broadway in 1994, the title has been licensed domestically and around the world. Currently, there are four productions of Disney's Beauty and the Beast playing around the world including tours in North America, Japan and Germany. In celebration of the show's 20th anniversary, the first-ever international tour for the title was launched last year and has been presented to date in diverse international markets including Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta.

Similar to the arrangement Disney Theatrical Production has maintained with producers around the world for many years, this production has been licensed to be produced and maintained locally. In this instance, the producer is another division of the Walt Disney Company, Disney India whose local creative team will reimagine this classic musical for Indian audiences.

Globally, this grand musical has had some of the world's most renowned creative artists bringing to life the magic ofBeauty and the Beaston stage. Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions, it boasts of music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Tangled) and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), with additional songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice (The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar). The book is written by Linda Woolverton (screenwriter of The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland and the upcomingMaleficent).­

Disney India will bring on board the very best local talent, who will work closely with these renowned International artists to recreate themusical in India. Some eminent names involved in the Indian production will include - Vikranth Pawar (Show Director and Creative Head, Live Entertainment at Disney India), Lesle Lewis (Music Direction), Terence Lewis (Choreography), Varsha Jain (Set Design), Gavin Miguel (Costume Design), Pallavi Devika (Hair & Make-up) and Suzanne D'Mello (Vocal Training).

For further information log on to www.disney.in

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