Disney Revives ‘Beauty and the Beast’ for New Generations

Disney’s beloved musical, Beauty and the Beast, returns to the stage with a fresh perspective aimed at engaging both TikTok enthusiasts and adults. The reimagined production opens on August 1, 2023, at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, marking a significant moment as it celebrates 30 years since the original Broadway musical debuted in 1995.

The original version of Beauty and the Beast became a global phenomenon, captivating over 35 million viewers across 22 countries. Now, Disney has reunited the original creative team to breathe new life into the classic tale. Matt West, who choreographed the Broadway production, leads the tour, expressing excitement about returning to the Orpheum. “We’ve come back to it with 30 years’ worth of artistic, storytelling growth,” West said.

Streamlined Production Enhancements

In a notable shift, the current tour utilizes only nine trucks for transporting sets and costumes, a significant reduction from the original’s 23 trucks. Likewise, the orchestra size has decreased from 19 musicians to just over half that number. Despite these changes, West emphasizes that technological advancements have allowed for improvements that enhance the overall experience. “Everything’s more muscular and efficient,” he stated.

Among the exciting updates, the staging now features real fire effects, a modern twist compared to the previous use of butane tanks. This change aims to create a more polished and enchanting experience for the audience. Additionally, the character of Belle is receiving a contemporary makeover, with costume alterations that eliminate her traditional apron. “We also looked at fabric choices, costumes that can tease your eye and light up magically,” West explained.

Character Updates and Emotional Depth

The casting of Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle adds a unique narrative layer. Named after her family’s notable ancestor, Alexander Graham Bell, Johnson identifies closely with Belle’s attributes of intelligence, kindness, determination, and strength. “She’s most like me, or what I aspire to be,” Johnson remarked.

The creative team has also modernized dialogue and introduced new scenes to enhance character relationships, particularly between Gaston and his loyal sidekick, Lefou. The Beast’s character has been deepened as well, described by the narrator as a “spoiled, selfish and unkind young prince.” West notes that this rendition presents a darker, more adult interpretation of the character.

The score has been updated to reflect emotional nuances more accurately. Michael “Koz” Kosarin, the music arranger, highlighted the transformation of the song “Home,” which now expresses a sense of agitation as Belle navigates her complex relationship with the Beast. Kosarin aims to deliver music that resonates with the characters’ emotional states, moving away from solely sweet melodies.

The iconic number “Be Our Guest” has evolved into a vibrant showcase of diverse dance styles, culminating in a spectacular tap performance by the entire cast. West described it as “a 10-minute extravaganza of dance styles,” fulfilling a long-held vision to elevate this beloved segment.

The underlying themes of Beauty and the Beast remain relevant, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and the importance of not judging others based on appearances. West has consciously toned down some slapstick elements, believing that humor can still be achieved in more nuanced ways.

As the production takes the stage, audiences can expect a blend of nostalgia and innovation, capturing the essence of a classic while engaging with contemporary storytelling. The show runs until August 17, 2023, with performances scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $51 to $268, available via hennepinarts.org.