Be Our Guest: Beloved Musical “Beauty and the Beast” Coming to Kansas City
A generation of theater- and moviegoers grew up with the sights and sounds of “Beauty and the Beast.” Now they can share the popular musical with their own children when the 30th anniversary production comes to the Music Hall in Kansas City from October 28 through November 2.
“This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes,” according to the show’s producers. “The timeless romance of Belle and the Beast is brought to life on stage with all the spectacle and grandeur that audiences expect from a Disney production.”
One cast members has roots nearby. Javier Ignacio, who plays Cogsworth, grew up in Wichita.
“Beauty and the Beast” ranks among the top 10 longest-running shows in the history of Broadway. Based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated feature film, the play premiered on Broadway in 1994 and was nominated for nine Tony Awards. Worldwide, there have been productions in 37 countries, seen by more than 25 million people and translated into 17 different languages
It was the first animated feature film ever nominated for an Academy Award for best picture. The film went on to win the Oscar for best original score and introduced the hit song “Beauty and the Beast,” which won the second of the film’s Academy Awards as best original song.
The film also is seen by many as a Christian allegory. The prince’s case is often compared to selfishness and pride, a parallel to original sin and the fall of humanity. Belle’s sacrifice can be seen mirroring Christ’s love for humanity and her love ultimately breaks the curse. Gaston is viewed as a symbol of evil–even a dark counterpart to receptive love.
The current production, the first in the United States in 25 years, will be on a grand scale:
- More than 180 lights are used.
- It takes 75 people to deliver each performance, including actors, stage crew, musicians, dressers, hairstylists and make-up artists.
- The touring production uses nine trucks to transport costumes, set pieces and other materials, plus one truck carrying merchandise, from city to city.
- Creating the costumes required more than 31 U.S. and four European fabric vendors, along with a total of 15,000 swatches.
- It took 186 costume makers, artisans and craftspeople to construct the costumes.
- Belle’s yellow ball gown features 29,311 rhinestones.
The production is recommended for ages 6 and older. For tickets and additional information, visit Disney’s Beauty and the Beast | Kansas City Broadway Series.
–Anita Widaman
