By Courtney Potter
It’s a tale as old as time—and it’s as beloved as ever! The much-anticipated tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast officially opens in Chicago, IL, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on July 10, marking the first North American touring production of the musical presented by Disney in over 25 years. D23 is celebrating the occasion with some exclusive images from the tour, featuring Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe—seen above, and below.
Starring alongside Johnson as Belle and Philippe as Beast are Stephen Mark Lukas as Gaston, Danny Gardner as Lumiere, Kathy Voytko as Mrs. Potts, Javier Ignacio as Cogsworth, Harry Francis as Le Fou, Kevin Ligon as Maurice, Holly Ann Butler as Madame, Cameron Monroe Thomas as Babette, and Beatrice Goddard Beggs and Levi Blaise Coleman alternating as Chip.
The Beauty and the Beast ensemble includes Vinny Andaloro, Benjamin Cheng, Spencer Dean, Julian Marcus De Guzman, Michael Dikegoros, Masumi Iwai, Darrell T. Joe, Emily Larger, Lena Matthews, Caleb McArthur, Sam Rose Pearson, Melaina Rairamo, Ellen Roberts, Grace Marie Rusnica, Ben Sears, Michael Seltzer, Jasmine Pearl Villaroel, and Kate Wesler.
Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken (who wrote the film’s beloved score with the late lyricist, and fellow Disney Legend, Howard Ashman); Disney Legend Sir Tim Rice, who wrote lyrics for the stage adaptation; book writer Linda Woolverton; director and choreographer Matt West; scenic designer Stanley A. Meyer; costume designer Ann Hould-Ward; and lighting designer Natasha Katz.
(D23 recently had the pleasure of chatting with West and Katz, in celebration of Beauty and the Beast on Broadway’s 30th anniversary—see what they had to say about the momentous occasion here.)
Based on the 1991 Academy Award®-winning animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994 and still ranks as the 10th longest-running show in history! Nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning for Best Costume Design, Beauty and the Beast remains one of the highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. In the years since, the beloved story has expanded to include productions literally all over the globe—as well as an Oscar®-nominated 2017 live-action film.
Following its debut engagement in Chicago, look for the production in all corners of the United States, from Boston, MA, to San Francisco, CA… and many points between!
For more information—including cities, dates, and how to purchase tickets—be our guest and visit beautyandthebeastthemusical.com.