Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" returns to the Van Wezel

The "Tale As Old As Time" is returning to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Disney's first Broadway musical "Beauty and the Beast" will be coming back to Sarasota with memorable songs such as "Be Our Guest" and "Tale As Old As Time" and colorful characters like Belle, Beast, Gaston, Lefou, Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts at 7:30 p.m. on October 14. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 14. 

Based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, "Beauty and the Beast" originally opened on Broadway in April of 1994. The success of the production, which earned nine Tony Award nominations and ran on Broadway for 13 years eventually closing in July 2007, broke Disney into the professional theater business. By following the outline of "Beauty and the Beast" - big budget musical spectacle based off one of their film properties - this Disney musical paved the way for award-winning and record-grossing productions such as "The Lion King," "Aida," "Tarzan," "Mary Poppins," "The Little Mermaid," "Newsies," "Peter and the Starcatcher" and "Aladdin." In a sense, "Beauty and the Beast" created Broadway's current family-friendly, franchise-heavy state since its profitable opening more than 20 years ago.

The touring production arriving at the Van Wezel this October began performances in February 2010. Unlike the other four touring productions currently traveling around the world, this one is being led by the original Broadway creators including director Robert Roth, choreographer Matt West, Tony Award-winning costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, Five-time Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and scenic designer Stan Meyer. This touring production's cast and crew have performed in all 50 states and for over three million people.