Beauty and the Beast Synopsis

Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney movie and dating back to a late 18th-century classic French tale, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who was long ago trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to become human once again is if he learns to love and be loved in return. There is a time limit, too: once a magical rose loses all of its petals, all hope will be lost and he will stay a Beast forever. The Beast’s enchanted household--populated by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip--watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another. Their feelings grow ever deeper as the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose--will they confess their love for one another before it is too late?

FEMALE CHARACTERS:

Belle (E3-F5) - A vibrant, intelligent girl with beauty, who wants more out of the life than an ordinary existence. She is optimistic, fun-loving, caring, and eager to experience life.

Mrs. Potts (F#3-G5) - A warm-hearted, maternal enchanted teapot. She is loyal, caring, and playful.

Babette (C4-F5) - A saucy, enchanted feather-duster, and the object of Lumiere's affections. She is the playful, gorgeous, seductive French maid.

Madame de la Grande Bouche (C#4-D5) - A former opera diva-turned-enchanted wardrobe. She has a caring, refined, larger than life personality.

Chip (A3-F5) - An enchanted teacup and Mrs. Potts' darling little boy. He is innocent, playful, and bright-eyed.

Silly Girls (Mezzo-Sopranos) – Superficial girls that are deeply smitten with Gaston. Pretty but empty-headed.

MALE CHARACTERS:

The Beast/Prince Adam (A2-F4) - A Prince transformed into a terrifying beast for his lack of compassion. He is hot-tempered and commanding, but has a warm, loving heart buried far beneath his gruff exterior.

Gaston (A2-E4) - The egotistical, ultra-masculine villain determined to marry Belle. He is manipulative yet charming and earnest.

Lumiere (F#2-F#4) - A suave, debonair enchanted candelabra. He is a loyal and steadfast servant.

Maurice (Bb2-Db4) - Belle's loving, eccentric father. A child at heart and inventor in his own world.

Lefou (B2-F#4) - Gaston's bumbling sidekick. He is loyal, energetic, and optimistic, but not quite the brightest guy.

Characters that could be played by either gender:

Cogsworth (A2-E4) - A tightly-wound, enchanted mantle clock and the head of the Beast's household. S/He is uptight, strict, and punctual but also hard-working, faithful, and thorough.

Monsieur D’Arque (D3-A4) - The scheming proprietor of the local insane asylum. S/He is a dark, sinister villain who aides Gaston in his plot to marry Belle.

OTHER CHARACTERS:

Narrator (Spoken) – Speaks the opening monologue of the show

Enchantress (Silent) & Young Prince (Silent) – Pantomimes the action of the narrator’s opening monologue

Villagers, Enchanted Inhabitants of the Beast’s Castle

Wolves (featured dancers)