‘Beauty and the Beast’ brings Broadway to the Blaisdell

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical at Blaisdell Concert Hall offers fantasy and fun for the whole family. It opened last Thursday and runs until October 3. It is remarkably true to the 1991 film, and the touring Broadway cast gives stellar performances. You can expect to be joined by throngs of young girls decked out in princess gear, most likely Belle’s bright yellow ball gown. Matinee performances tend to be noisy, which is either an advantage or an annoyance, depending on whether or not you are bringing your own children.

Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 21 countries.

Beauty and the Beast opened in Honolulu on Tuesday, September 21 and will close Sunday, October 3. Tickets for most performances range from $67-$37 and are available at Ticketmaster.com, the Blaisdell Concert Hall Box Office, all WalMart outlets, Sports Gear at Windward Mall, and by calling 800-745-3000.