Overview of the Changes to Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage in 2021

Hello hello, friend! Welcome to AB Adventures. I’m Amanda and I have some exciting news for you! Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is back! If you have not been following along, the long-running stage show closed with the pandemic closures in 2020 and had remained closed until just recently. As of August 15, 2021, the beloved show has returned to regular performances in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios at the Theater of the Stars! In anticipation of this return we recently did a video on the history and changes made to this show over its almost 30-year run. You can take a look at that here, but now we want to do a quick overview of the new changes to this show now that it has reopened. So, let’s get to it.

The biggest overall change this show has seen is the that of the physical distancing between the actors. There are a few less people on stage, and those that are there have quite a bit of distance between them. With that main alteration in mind, let’s start at the beginning to cover all of the details.

In the previous version, we saw two of the cast enter with the tapestry, ushering in the prince. Now, the prince enters the stage alone.

The Enchantress/Beggar woman now has a hood that she can pull down to reveal her young and beautiful self. The audience really seemed to love this new aspect!

We see slightly different choreography here with the tapestry and prince. While the prince is transforming into the Beast, the Enchantress drops the rose which is then illuminated by a pink spotlight. The Beast changes behind the tapestry as before and picks up the rose. This might possibly my most favorite adaptation to the show. It is such a nice detail.

To abide by some of the physical distancing rules needed for on stage shows, this version of the show has less cast. Thus, we see less people in this scene. The choreography is spaced far enough to allow actors at least 3 feet distance.

What’s more the swooners have notably been diminished to only two.

This is where we see our first major costume change, other than the Enchantress’ hood—which got a great audience response. The swooners here have been given straps. I don’t what the reason was for this, since people did not seem to have much of a problem for three decades, and the old versions followed the film. Still, that’s the first major change we see here.

Along with the swooners, there is a moment where they faint. In the old version, everyone fainted, but now it is just the two girls in response to Gaston’s handsomeness.

Now we get to Be Our Guest.

There are a few different points here with varying choreography, most notably the kick line that is now spaced out to keep the distancing guidelines. But it is not incredibly noticeable. What is noticeable is the missing parfait character! And secondly, the change of costumes for the chefettes. Previously, they had alternating costumes. Some yellow, some mint, and some purple. Now, everyone has the red tights with some stripes on them. So, now everyone has candy cane socks.

The next scene is Something There. This is the moment when you really get to see the growing care and love between Belle and the Beast. So, I think this scene is one of the first to really suffer in terms of distancing. I understand why, but I hope this blocking doesn’t stay for forever. One of the most noticeable moments of this is the book that the Beast is supposed to give her. Here, he has to instead point to it for her to pick up. The scenes ends usually with them sitting together on the steps to enjoy the book. Now, the Beast looks down at her from the landing above. It’s different and sweet. I don’t mind it!

Many guests’ favorite song is the Mob Song for the energy and live singing from Gaston. Not much changed during this song except for some choreography here and there. It is understandable, though, with a few less actors on stage.

Then we get to the fight scene in which, again, no touching. So, it makes for some awkward moments. Where Belle enters the stage just in time to save the Beast, but can only hopelessly stand by and watch, because…three feet.

From here and onward is where I find the show has changed the most, and in many ways makes it very awkward. Most specifically the moment of the Beast transforming to the prince and Belle’s moment with him on stage. As a result of them not being able to get very close, it creates a few awkward staring moments. Yet, again, we know it is the best they can do right now.

You can really tell that the show is restrained by needing to space the actors out. I know everyone is doing their best in the situation they have. We can only hope that as soon as guidance allows, they can bring back the closeness and chemistry between the characters.