The original Broadway production of 'Beauty and the Beast' was a massive commercial success, running for thirteen years and becoming the sixth longest-running production in Broadway history at the time of its closure in 2007.
The idea to adapt 'Beauty and the Beast' into a Broadway musical was partly inspired by a glowing review from New York Times theater critic Frank Rich, who called the film score 'the best Broadway musical score of 1991'.
Linda Woolverton, who wrote the screenplay for the animated film, also adapted her work into the musical's libretto, expanding upon the Beast's characterization and the storylines of the castle staff.
Howard Ashman, one of the original lyricists, tragically passed away from AIDS before the film's release in 1991, making 'Beauty and the Beast' the last project he worked on with composer Alan Menken.
The stage musical includes all eight songs from the animated film, plus six new songs composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Tim Rice, who stepped in after Howard Ashman's death.
The musical has been performed in thirteen countries and 115 cities, grossing more than $1.7 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful theatrical productions ever.
The song 'A Change in Me' was added to the 'Beauty and the Beast' musical specifically for Toni Braxton when she joined the cast, making its debut during the show's second act.
In June 2021, changes to the official licensed script of the show included the removal of the song 'Maison des Lunes' and 'The Battle', as well as making 'No Matter What' optional and allowing cuts to dance breaks.
The song 'Human Again' was originally written for the movie but was cut and later included in the Broadway play. Due to the success of the musical, a new animated sequence set to this song was added to the 2002 Special Edition DVD release of the film.
