Beastly Disney classic brings charms to Dubai

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Beastly Disney classic brings charms to Dubai The tale as old as time gets another retelling as Beauty and the Beast comes to Dubai World Trade Centre. Based on the Oscar-winning animated Disney movie, the theatrical musical is celebrating its 20th anniversary on stage this year and is part of the 2016 Dubai Shopping Festival entertainment programme. Head of productions at Broadway Entertainment Group, Jo McCrory, is thrilled to bring the show worldwide and to the Emirates. “While the show has stayed 100 per cent true to the Broadway production, this is the first time the show has ever been on an international tour so all the set, lighting and sound has been made to be transportable all over the world.” The beloved Disney classic tells the story of bookish Belle from a small village held hostage in the gruff Beast’s castle. The Beast is actually a young prince cursed for his arrogance and the entire castle is under an enchantress’ spell that transformed its other residents into talking objects. The only way to break it is if Beast finds true love before a magical rose’s last petal falls. The audience can look forward to a grand show with lavish set design, elaborate costumes and musical numbers featuring memorable tunes like Be Our Guest and the beloved title song Beauty and the Beast. “When the tour came together we reunited the original creative team to work on making the magic come to life. The show executes all the magical moments of the story in true Disney magic fashion,” McCrory says. The world tour includes 11 musicians, 33 cast members (including two chaperones for kids playing Chip, the little teacup) and 16 crew and management. Playing leading lady Belle is Briana Rapa, who has been performing in front of an audience since she can remember. She describes her character as someone you aspire to be when you grow up. “She is smart, determined, selfless, kind and strong. She gives up her life to save her father and sees through the Beast’s rough exterior into his heart,” she says. “Belle is the first princess who isn’t saved by a prince and I think that was extremely important for young girls everywhere to see. She really is the hero of the story.” Rapa admits wearing Belle’s dress was a dream and a challenge in itself. “Luckily I don’t have to sing much in the iconic yellow ball gown! It was definitely a process learning the waltz with the dress. It’s like dancing with a third person!” she says. “We have a pretty good handle on it now, but it was definitely something we had to work on. I had three weeks of rehearsal in New York and a week in Macau. We actually only had one dress rehearsal and it was the day we opened.” She adds the show’s charm and magic will move the audience, even the adults. “The script is funny and heartfelt, the songs are catchy and clever. The sets and Tony award-winning costumes are so visually stunning. It is a truly special creation and it’s no surprise that it has remained relevant for so many years.” glaiza@7days.ae Read the original story at: Beastly Disney classic brings charms to Dubai