BWW Reviews: BEAUTY & THE BEAST OPENS AT MAJESTIC

Disney's stage adaptation of their animated classic Beauty and the Beast opened Tuesday night at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre. A faithful translation of the feature-length film, Beauty is a fun, youthful, heartwarming theatre experience for audiences of all ages.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway in 1994 and ran for an impressive 5,464 performances before closing in 2007. It currently holds the title of seventh-longest running production in Broadway history.

For those familiar with the film, you will be pleased to find all your favorite songs are present, from “Be Our Guest” to the title love ballad. A number of new songs were written for the stage version (or revived from the Disney cutting room floor) in order to carry more of the plot with music than dialogue. I love the music and classic songs, but, as with any Disney musical I see, I'm displeased by the addition of new songs, as I feel as though masterpieces need not be supplemented.

However, the additions serve their purpose in the piece as a whole and make for a more thorough musical theatre experience. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to live theatre, and I'm continually grateful for family-friendly productions such as this that allow and encourage family outings.

Led by Justin Glaser (Beast) and Liz Shivener (Belle), Beauty and the Beast is running at the Majestic Theatre through October 17. Tickets are available online.