Beauty and the Beast film to lead to revival?

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 5:02pm

So as it seems Beauty and the Beast has already begun to break records. Do you think it will lead to a Beauty and the Beast Revival on Broadway. I know that first the would Frozen, but do you think that following the closure of Aladdin (my guest is it will be good for another 3 years or so) that Beauty would be the first revival of Disney's?

The second part of the question. Do you think they would incorporate the new songs from the film into the revival. I believe that 'Evermore' is the best of the new songs, but I also think that 'If I Can't Love Her' is one of the greatest musical additions that Menken has written. Thoughts?

[ACL2006]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 5:42pm

IF it were to be revived, it wouldn't be until the 2018-2019 season due to FROZEN opening next season.

[gypsy101]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 6:26pm

in what way is it breaking records? it hasn't come to theaters yet

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 6:39pm

I think it's very likely to be Disney's first revival given how beloved it is, but I wouldn't expect it back on Broadway for a long time. A new tour, maybe. And I would be shocked if they jammed any of these new film songs into the stage show.

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 6:50pm

Probably not. 

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 7:06pm

There was an article that it is the new record holder with most presale tickets sold before opening, with many theatres selling out a number of first weekend of showtimes.

[gypsy101]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 7:11pm

wow that's great!

a revival would be fun but i don't see it happening anytime soon

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 10:50pm

I don't think so. Though it is interesting to imagine what a revival would look like. Would they re-stage it the exact same way and recreate the production or would they go slightly more realistic and less cartoonish (more like the live action movie)? The Lion King is its own thing entirely and Aladdin is fun but mostly unhampered by having been an animated movie. But Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid definitely had to make choices in trying to stage a cartoon. 

Updated On: 3/10/17 at 10:50 PM

[Valentina3]

Posted: 3/10/17 at 11:04pm

I agree with Vintage. I saw the show on tour and was never ever immersed in the story because those costumes were so goddamn bulky and obviously humans. I'd like a proper restaging with more puppetry or newer untried theater techniques.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 3/11/17 at 12:19am

Just some thoughts:

This thread has reminded me of my utter disbelief that Disney is not moving Aladdin to allow Frozen to open at the New Amsterdam, their token theatrical space. I know Aladdin is no Lion King and maybe a move would be too expensive, unnecessary, etc... it just seems to me so crazy they wouldn't want it in that house. 

I guess I just can't see it in the St. James. Jujamcyn has always struck me as a company that is home to less mainstream (for lack of a better term) shows (at first, at least, until you have a hit like Book of Mormon or Jersey Boys swing in but who knew those would become what they've become) and to see their largest house get taken by something that will become so huge and commercial still comes off so odd to me. 

Anyway, like I said, just my thoughts and opinions. 

Regarding the Beauty revival, I'd love to see it but I don't think it will happen for a long time. 

[Dave13]

Posted: 3/11/17 at 2:11pm

Love to see it, but it was on tour not too long ago.  I think it is too soon for a revival.  It certainly will not compete with Frozen.  I read not too long ago that Disney was working  on a stage version of Pinocchio. If so, a Beauty and the Beast revival won't be coming soon.   

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/11/17 at 11:05pm

Greased: I think it has to do with space. The stage at the New Amsterdam couldn't accommodate the set for Frozen, I mean, they're blowing out the back wall of the St. James. They couldn't expand any at the New Amsterdam. 

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 3/12/17 at 12:21am

You're right, I totally forgot about the renovations they are doing to fit the physical production. I was mostly thinking about front of house in my post, I guess 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/12/17 at 1:06am

The St. James actually has a pretty nice front of house. I don't remember the New Amsterdam. Only been in there once. Hopefully they do something fun with the exterior. 

[Princeton2]

Posted: 3/12/17 at 4:16am

There was a new UK tour in the works but surprisingly I believe it's been pulled.

[kristinj1]

Posted: 3/12/17 at 7:08am

I obviously haven't seen the film yet but I'm hoping, since those who grew up with the Disney musical are now young adults, that both the new film and a possible revival will have the darker and more adult feel of the 1946 black-and-white film version.  

Updated On: 3/12/17 at 07:08 AM

[JennH]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 10:45am

^^^ I'm hoping you mean the new one right? Heaven knows I try not to judge people, but I do have some judgement if I come across someone who hasn't seen the original... ;P 

 

Anyhooo, my take away is that this is possible, but I wouldn't say it's probable. The only reason I believe it MIGHT be possible is the fact that Beauty and the Beast is making a big comeback for obvious reasons, but I saw an upswing in Mary Poppins merch when Saving Mr. Banks was out, but that didn't last long. I doubt it's very likely, possibly non existent. Disney doesn't really seem to be in the business or revivals, but if they were to revive one that's no longer running, this would be the one for sure. I'm by no means against it, in fact I'd KILL to see it revived because I adore B andB THAT much, especially since when I saw it on Broadway back in 2005, I was on the worlds most terrible case of jet lag so I don't remember much of what I saw, but what I do remember...was pure...unadulterated..magic. I'm all for it, but I'm no about to hold my breath. And IF it did, it certainly ain't about to any time soon, Disney won't complete with itself with Frozen running. The recent tour  only just ended and many regionals are doing it again, so I doubt this as well. If it were to be revived, it better not look any like that cardboard pop up that was the tour. It was...ok for a non union tour, but this show is one of those that is bluntly obvious when the budget is low. You either go big with it or go home. Some shows just shouldn't be done on the cheap. 

As for the new songs...no. I haven't heard them, I've said I REALLY need to go in seeing the film blind to the news songs, but I know that they were written to accommodate the FILM. Said directly from Menken. It's the reason they very quickly nixed the idea of using the stage musical songs in the new film. And I agree, they wouldn't work. Considering how Emma is playing Belle, Home wouldn't quuiitte work with this new persona, plus does anyone here really want to hear her croak out that song? I'm barely able to stomach her "typically mediocre as any other voice" as it is. 

What I personally think is mmaaayybbee more likely, albeit only slightly, is the rumor of ABC getting on the live musical broadcast train and this would be their first one. If they did, I can't imagine their first one being anything else, it just seem like the perfect choice, especially since ABC is Disney owned and they have access to those shows.

Updated On: 3/13/17 at 10:45 AM

[little_sally]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 10:56am

GreasedLightning said: "Just some thoughts:

This thread has reminded me of my utter disbelief that Disney is not moving Aladdin to allow Frozen to open at the New Amsterdam, their token theatrical space. I know Aladdin is no Lion King and maybe a move would be too expensive, unnecessary, etc... it just seems to me so crazy they wouldn't want it in that house. 

I guess I just can't see it in the St. James. Jujamcyn has always struck me as a company that is home to less mainstream (for lack of a better term) shows (at first, at least, until you have a hit like Book of Mormon or Jersey Boys swing in but who knew those would become what they've become) and to see their largest house get taken by something that will become so huge and commercial still comes off so odd to me. 

Anyway, like I said, just my thoughts and opinions. 

Regarding the Beauty revival, I'd love to see it but I don't think it will happen for a long time. 

I have similar feelings. I guess, for me, I can't believe the St. James is going to be tied up with Frozen.

[wicked4l]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 10:59am

From a friend involved and working at Disney Theatrical, there will be a 70 million dollar sit-down production of the full length musical in Orlando by DisneyWorld in the next few years.

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 12:03pm

I am not going to lie, it's weird (yet makes total sense) to see a Disney show go somewhere other than the New Amsterdam or a Nederlander house. Reason why they went to the St. James is because the only Nederlander house that they wanted (and could have possibly worked) was The Palace. However, once Susnet closes so does the theatre for five years. 

[JennH]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 1:12pm

wicked4l said: "From a friend involved and working at Disney Theatrical, there will be a 70 million dollar sit-down production of the full length musical in Orlando by DisneyWorld in the next few years.

 

"

A sit down? Like, an open ended run? I'll take it. But why in Orlando? They already have DisneyWorld anyway, plus the half hour show that runs in the HS park. However that show is ssssoooo old and tired as hell, it needs to go. 

[kristinj1]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 4:07pm

JennH said: "^^^ I'm hoping you mean the new one right? Heaven knows I try not to judge people, but I do have some judgement if I come across someone who hasn't seen the original... ;P "

Haha... yes I meant the new one, for which we've already booked tickets!  Like most people, I know every note and nuance of the older animated musical.  :)

I did hear from friends who recently had DCL auditions that they heard they are creating a new B&B based more closely on the live-action film, so maybe Disney plans to test some new material on the cruise version.  Is that a possibility?

 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 4:11pm

70 million dollars seems far too high. 

[JennH]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 5:10pm

kristinj1 said: "JennH said: "^^^ I'm hoping you mean the new one right? Heaven knows I try not to judge people, but I do have some judgement if I come across someone who hasn't seen the original... ;P "

Haha... yes I meant the new one, for which we've already booked tickets!  Like most people, I know every note and nuance of the older animated musical.  :)

I did hear from friends who recently had DCL auditions that they heard they are creating a new B&B based more closely on the live-action film, so maybe Disney plans to test some new material on the cruise version.  Is that a possibility?

 

 

"

Oh that isn't even speculated anymore, they ARE doing it. DCL announced officially themselves about a month or so ago. But I guessed it before that, I mean look at that breakdown lolz! I figured it was something at the VERY least centered around B and B. I would guess that the DCL has a possibility to be more like the new film, considering that they wanted an Audra type for the wardrobe, but they could just be a description of the character. Doesn't automatically mean it'll be molded to be like the new film. 

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 5:18pm

I could see Disney putting out their own national tour, but I doubt we will get a revival anytime soon. I also doubt "Beauty" is in line for an ABC musical. I thought that would have been "Mary Poppins," and that's still possible with the sequel out next Christmas.