Composer

:

Alan Menken

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

ca. 1996

Average_duration

:

88:52

"Beauty and the Beast" is a musical play that was composed by Alan Menken. The musical is based on the classic fairy tale of the same name. The plot of the musical revolves around a young woman named Belle who lives in a small village in France. Belle is a bookworm who dreams of adventure and excitement. She is pursued by Gaston, a handsome but arrogant hunter who wants to marry her. One day, Belle's father Maurice gets lost in the woods and stumbles upon a castle. The castle is inhabited by a Beast who was once a handsome prince but was cursed by an enchantress. The curse can only be broken if the Beast learns to love and be loved in return before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Maurice is captured by the Beast, and Belle offers to take his place as the Beast's prisoner. Over time, Belle and the Beast begin to develop feelings for each other, but their love is threatened by Gaston, who rallies the villagers to storm the castle and kill the Beast. The musical was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1994 and was an instant hit. The musical won numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The musical is divided into two acts, with a total of 15 musical numbers. The musical features a mix of ballads, show tunes, and ensemble numbers. The musical is known for its catchy songs, including "Be Our Guest," "Gaston," and "Beauty and the Beast." The musical is characterized by its elaborate sets and costumes, which bring the fairy tale to life on stage. The musical also features a large cast, including actors playing enchanted objects such as Lumiere the candelabra and Mrs. Potts the teapot. Overall, "Beauty and the Beast" is a beloved musical that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Its timeless story, memorable music, and stunning visuals make it a must-see for fans of musical theater.

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