THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - Crown Preview

International Musical Phenomenon Based on the World-Famous Disney Film

With Disney's Beauty and the Beast, one of the world's most successful musicals returns to the Austrian capital. The original Broadway production ran uninterrupted for over 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards®, including "Best Musical." Over 35 million people in more than 40 countries have seen Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The London production was awarded the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for "Best Musical." The musical adaptation is based on the world-famous Disney animated film, which was nominated for an Oscar® for "Best Film."

Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and Grammy® Award-Winning Music
The music is by eight-time Oscar® and Tony Award® winner Alan Menken ("Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Sister Act," Disney's The Little Mermaid," "Pocahontas," "Tangled," "Enchanted," among others), one of the most successful musical composers of our time, with lyrics by Oscar® winner Howard Ashman and Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award® winner Sir Tim Rice. Unforgettable classics include songs like "Be Our Guest" and the world-famous title song "Beauty and the Beast," which received an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, and a Grammy®.

Now, the touching story of Belle and the enchanted prince, who can only be redeemed through true love, is brought to life in a brand-new production at the Raimund Theater – featuring captivating music, magnificent sets, dazzling costumes, opulent choreography, and stunning stage technology.

Finance City Councilor Barbara Novak: "With productions like Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien once again demonstrates that Vienna is very well positioned as a cultural location and musical city in international comparison. This fairy-tale success musical will not only delight the audience but also win many people in our city over to musical theater and culture."

Vienna Holding Managing Director Dr. Kurt Gollowitzer: "The return of Disney's Beauty and the Beast to the Raimund Theater underscores the high artistic standards and the radiance of VBW far beyond Vienna. As Vienna Holding, we are pleased to enable productions in our venues that combine emotion, quality, and international flair, further strengthening Vienna as a cultural metropolis."

VBW Managing Director Dr. Franz Patay: "It is a great pleasure for me to present a fairy tale that has enchanted generations: Beauty and the Beast. This timeless story about love, courage, and the power of the heart will be brought to life with moving music, played by our unique VBW orchestra, and impressive stage designs. We invite you to join us in entering a world where appearances do not set limits and true beauty lies within. A theater evening for the whole family – full of emotions, wonder, and magic."

VBW Musical Director Christian Struppeck: "With Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, we are bringing one of the most famous musicals in the world back to Vienna. This extraordinary work impressively combines what modern musical theater is all about: a strong story, great music, impressive choreography, state-of-the-art stage technology, and a touching message that connects generations. With our programming, we aim to present our audience both VBW original productions like MARIA THERESIA – THE MUSICAL and international hit shows, thereby sustainably strengthening Vienna as a musical metropolis."

The Creative Team of the Original Production for Vienna

The members of the Tony Award®-winning original creative team are responsible for the new production in Vienna, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book author Linda Woolverton, director and choreographer Matt West, set designer Stanley A. Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Waard, and lighting designer Natasha Katz. Together, they bring the new, impressive version of the Disney classic to the musical stage.

A Fairy-Tale Experience for the Whole Family

Disney's Beauty and the Beast tells the story of the beautiful Belle and the prince who has been transformed into a beast by the curse of a sorceress. Only when he finds true love can the spell be broken. This touching tale of courage, inner beauty, and the power of love has captivated generations. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is an emotional, humorous, and unforgettable musical experience for all generations, full of magic, wit, and Disney enchantment.