ABU DHABI: Walt Disney’s famous Beauty and the Beast is coming to the capital to celebrate its 20th anniversary as part of its first-ever international tour.
The English-language production will play at du Forum on Yas Island from October 30 to November 8, before setting off for Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey.
The much awaited tour will see the show’s original creative team reunite to bring the Broadway classic to life. The musical, directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, has Tony Award winner Ann Hould-Ward as the costume designer with music by Alan Menken of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin fame.
“Beauty and the Beast is a legendary show that has enchanted young and old alike over the last two decades,” said Didier Vanneste, vice-president and country manager of The Walt Disney Company MENA. “Disney is delighted to be able to bring the full Broadway experience to the UAE capital for its regional premiere in partnership with FLASH Entertainment. It’s a show that delivers all of the magic, awe and excitement that you’d expect from Disney.”
Family entertainment
“Beauty and the Beast coming to Abu Dhabi sets a milestone for family entertainment in this city,” said John Lickrish, chief executive Officer, FLASH Entertainment.
Based on the 1991 Academy-Award winning animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994 and is written by Linda Woolverton (screenwriter of The Lion King, Alice In Wonderland and the upcoming Maleficent).
Ranked as one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time, the production has been to 22 countries and been seen by over 35 million people since licensing of the title began in 2004.
The classic story of Belle, a young woman and the Beast, a young prince trapped under a spell placed by an enchantress, has been translated into eight languages for over 28,000 performances, equalling a run of 67 years and generating over $1.7 billion (Dh6.24 billion) in revenue.
An exclusive presale for FLASH members (those registered with an email address when purchasing a ticket to a FLASH concert) starts on August 5 at 12pm, while tickets for the general public go on sale at 12pm from August 6 on www.ticketmaster.ae. Tickets are priced from Dh150 (Bronze category) to Dh750 (Diamond).
