Disney Theatrical’s revival of “Beauty and the Beast” will be an international production, according to a source familiar with the matter.
This production will be a retooled version of the “Beauty and the Beast” musical, including new design and dance arrangements, but using the original creative team, with a premiere date several years down the line. Disney is also planning to launch a North American tour of “Aida” in 2021, to be directed by Schele Williams, a member of the original Broadway cast, according to the source.
Disney Theatrical declined to comment on the productions.
Previous reports had stated that Disney was planning the “Beauty and the Beast” revival, but that it would appear in New York.
“Beauty and the Beast” was Disney’s first musical on Broadway, premiering at the Palace Theatre in 1994 and later moving to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre for a total run of 13 years. The musical features a book by Linda Woolverton, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Tim Rice and Howard Ashman, direction by Robert Jess Roth and choreography by Matt West.
“Aida” opened at the Palace Theatre on Broadway in 2000 and ran there until 2004.
Both shows have been produced internationally, and previously launched national tours, in addition to being available for licensing through Music Theatre International.
Among other projects in the works, Disney recently set a new creative team, consisting of David Yazbek, Rick Elice and Bob Martin, for its musical adaption of “The Princess Bride” after the project had been stalled.
