The Broadway Hit Beauty and the Beast Returning to Detroit, MI

Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' Returns to the Masonic Temple Theatre: The Broadway Smash Hit Musical Roars Back Into Detroit Feb. 21 Through March 4

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the Tony Award®-winning smash hit musical, is returning to Detroit. The elaborate Broadway production based on the beloved animated film will come to life on stage at the Masonic Temple Theatre from February 21 through March 4 for a limited two-week engagement.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 17 at the Fisher Theatre Box Office and at all Ticketmaster locations. Ticketmaster charge by phone (248-645-6666) and all Ticketmaster outlets will open at 10 a.m.

"Detroit audiences will once again enjoy the same full-length Broadway musical, complete with spectacular production numbers, Tony Award®-winning costumes and unforgettable songs, which has been wowing audiences throughout the world," said Peter Schneider and Thomas Schumacher, Producers, Disney Theatricals.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast features the animated film's Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, plus an additional song by Ashman and Menken, "Human Again," not heard in the film. The play also includes seven brand new songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton, who also wrote the screenplay for the animated film. The play is directed by Robert Jess Roth.

With technical wizardry and imaginative design, Disney's Beauty and the Beast is transferred from screen to stage, enhancing the elements that made the animated film a world favorite. The Tony Award®-winning costumes are by Ann Hould-Ward (Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods) and lighting design by Natasha Katz (the revivals of Gypsy and Peter Pan). Director Robert Jess Roth, choreographer Matt West and scenic designer Stanley A. Meyer have worked together as a team for a number of years developing projects for Disney. Jim Steinmeyer and John Gauhan, creators of the illusions, have invented effects that have been performed by David Copperfield, Seigfried and Roy, Harry Blackstone and many others.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an evil enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. Time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has played to over 17 million people worldwide. The Tony Award®-winning musical currently has four companies including New York, where the Broadway production is now in its seventh smash year; Stuttgart, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and the Third National Touring Company.

Performances run from February 21 through March 4. Ticket prices range from $18 - $62 depending on performance time and seat location. To charge by phone call 248-645-6666 or stop by the Fisher Theatre Box Office box office or any Ticketmaster ticket outlet. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more -- call 313-871-1132.

-- Posted November 15, 2000

Source: Company Press Release