Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is playing this week through Sunday at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.  The stage production of the animated classic was Disney’s first venture onto Broadway and is one of their most successful productions ever. My daughter and I caught the Wednesday night production and let me just say that it’s fabulous fun!

Photos by Joan Marcus and Amy Boyle.

This Tony Award winning musical follows the fortunes of Belle, a smart, beautiful young woman living in a quiet village in France, pursued by Gaston, the not-so-sharp local heart-throb. Her visit to the local castle takes her on a whole new adventure when she comes face to face with The Beast, and must decide whether to look beyond his outward appearance, or to shun and despise him as the villagers have done. There is singing, there is dancing and there is amazing special effects.

Beauty and the Beast has been an international sensation since it opened on Broadway and remains as fresh today as when it first appeared.  The production is bright, beautiful and lively. My daughter is still asking about how they made the Beast transform into the prince while floating in mid-air. It’s a sight to behold.  Tickets are available at the box office or online and great seats are available through the weekend.  Take your family, take your friends and experience it while you can.  The show is suitable for all ages.