I was part of the merch team for when it was in Manchester and we were selling so many Courtney Belle Dolls. Sometimes several boxes a day. I did enjoy the show and thought it was a good production.
Personally I loved it so much it’s up there as one of the most memorable shows I’ve seen. I loved the whole be our guest section. I didn’t want it to end!!!
I love Courtney so so much but hearing some of the songs belted was such a weird moment for me after hearing these songs sang in a different way for decades, and I also had issues with the massive video screens and overall cheapness of the production #mickeyjogiveaway
I totally agree! Also the screens for the wolf chase scenes were a little childish for me like they didnt even bother to put effort.... I think I even heard someone laughing behind me because it was so fake😂
Pity about the costumes in Be Our Guest. I saw a local community theatre production last year and even with minimal set and effects they were able to pull off believable costumes for that number. They also featured diverse casting with a black actress as Belle and an amputee as the Beast (using a peg leg). Very unexpected but totally worked. As an aside, I actually feel like theatres are getting louder. When I saw Mean Girls a few months ago the orchestra was drowning out the vocals. But then I'm the old lady (at 33) who doesn't enjoy movie theatres anymore bc they're too loud (and cold and expensive).
I mean you may be right of expecting more for these reasons with the script: "No Matter What" is now optional. The authors recommend not including the song in the show and encourage using the new scene to replace it. "Maison De Lunes" is now cut from the show. The character of Monsieur D’Arque has been trimmed to emphasize Gaston’s character and to cut run time of show. "The Battle” between the villages and the enchanted objects at the end of Act 2 is now cut from the show. The character(s) formerly named Silly Girls has been updated to Les Filles De La Ville. Optional cuts for dance breaks are now available for certain numbers. The options are clearly outlined in the production handbook (Music Direction chapter) and the Piano/Conductor score. They even cut out some gags and phrases, such as: the joke about Guillaume the houseboy, “We have exquisite tapestries dating all the way back to Aloysious the Pretentious…”, “Do I still have to sleep in the cupboard?” But I like the modifications: Instead of “I like this girl, I like her spunk,” it’s “I like this young woman, she has spirit” But I revised the script one last time, or should I say several times to make it even better
I was in the original London production and National Tour of B&tB back in 2000-2002 and I’m shocked how the quality of the direction, costumes and sets was superior 20 years ago.
I saw it in Chicago I think on tour around 2010ish and I think all of MickeyJo's criticisms applied to that tour (except the the video set). They cut the same two songs and Be Our Guest was more showgirls than dancing dinnerware.
Beauty and the Beast has NEVER been to the same caliber as the original Broadway (and I believe original West End) run. They’ve gone cheaper and cheaper. To be fair, it’s no longer really a Disney production. Disney let’s anyone perform it now. I wish Disney themselves would produce a new production and go off the 2017 film. It had better original songs they could leap off of. Look at the Disney Cruise Beauty and the Beast production to get an idea what could be with an even bigger budget on Broadway (and West End of course)
I saw the show in Manchester and was so disappointed by the unnecessary changes, like removing two songs to give more dance time to Be Our Guest and Gaston, plus a ton of other little things, I wrote a 7 page essay to get rid of my frustration 🤣
My first experience with the full Beauty and the Beast Musical was actually seeing a high school production at State Thespians (in the US it's basically a big theater kid convention and they usually pick and give funding to 5ish high school musical productions and they put on full shows at the local performing arts theater). And they kept in both "No Matter What" and "Maison de Lunes" complete with a big elaborate dance sequence. I remember we all went totally nuts for it, all the kids attached to that musical became situational celebrities for that week.
I totally agreed about the overtune. I love when it just hits you. The ones that comes to mind for me is the wicked overtune, it’s my favorite by far and makes me tear up a bit
I saw Beauty and the Beast at the palladium a couple weeks back and couldn't help but feel that some of it fell flat. Wasn't sure if it was just me, but your analysis of it has definitely pinpointed a lot things that may have explained it! E.g. the knife and fork patterned suits. Great review! #mickeyjogiveaway
Interesting fact. Maison des lunes was not in the show originally. They put it in later in the run. I.m not sure if it was added when the show moved to the Lunt-Fontanne or towards the end of the Palace run. But it wasn't there the first time I saw the show. I just found this show production online and I thought it it looked like a theme park attraction, which is sad, because this is a show near and dear to my heart.
I saw beauty and the beast in manchester after seeing that they were selling premium seats normally around £100+ for £20 cause they were on there own so a group of us went just sitting by ourselves which makes no difference cause you should be SILENT during shows anyway 👀 I enjoyed it but at times it felt lacking in power. #mickeyjogiveaway
I actually find it a bit distracting seeing theatre and movies with other people. I keep wanting to gauge their reaction- and then if they very obviously don't like it, that can ruin it for me even when I do like it. I'd totally take those individual seats!
OMG I'm feeling old! I saw the original Broadway production (in previews!) in 1994 just before I moved from NYC. Before you were born! It was such a thrill seeing the opening number from the movie (which clearly had Broadway written all over it) on stage.
One of my favorite things about Gaston's Tavern at Magic Kingdom here in FL is an instrumental of Maison De Lunes plays as part of the inside music loop. I'd love to have another touring production here in the states since I haven't seen the show since I was very young. #MickeyJoGiveaway
#mickeyjogiveaway I was actually one of the dressers backstage at Beauty and the Beast on the tour before it went to the Palladium and I'm gutted I didn't get to see it, but I was so blessed to hear my favourite Disney score every night ❤️
As for diverse casting, great to see. They did it back in the late 90’s though too, not on the merch but when we saw it in 1999, they had a Belle who was also black. I can’t remember if we saw her, we saw the closing performance
Saw it in Birmingham! This felt like a representation of the move away from practical sets to me, the projections (and horrendous hanging castle pieces) simply does not deliver the magic. Gaston with the revolve really baffled me especially with the massive but empty stage. Agreed on Maison de lunes and no matter what. Beauty and the beast was the first production I was ever in and the changes affected me much more than expected! Could you possibly review the new/tour staging of les mis? Removing the revolve was a terrible decision in my opinion but I’d like to know what you think!
I really hope video screen sets don't become a big thing. I'd rather they have a simpler real set that can be pushed around a bit for different locations than a video set.
#MickeyJoGiveaway I absolutely love Beauty and the Beast, I'm seeing it next month and cannot WAIT! It's my all time favourite movie of all time ever, it helped me when I was being bullied and I have just clung onto it ever since. I wore out my copy on VHS and decided that if I was to meet someone then it would be a while before I showed them this movie as I didn't want it to be "our" movie and if we break up then I wouldn't want to watch it again. When the remake came out I was there in my dress with the characters on it, first screening, front row with the build a bears
#mickeyjogiveaway I travelled from Belfast to Bristol to see the opening night of this new production. It was very exciting and it was cool to see the director give a speech before the show. While I enjoyed the show, I left feeling kinda empty and thinking they missed something. It lacked depth for me. I totally agree about the in-cohesiveness of the costume and set, it really stood out to me and distracted me from the story. Love your channel, Mickey.
Yeah I heard that the cuts would be happening. MTI has revised the show and made cuts. This is the new licensed version they are offering. So any Beauty and the Beast productions moving forward will have these revisions. Makes me kinda sad.
I just did the show last year as Belle in a community theatre production and “No Matter What” and “Maison de Lunes” were still in the show. I truly hope this doesn’t change.
I was in the ensemble for my school production of Beauty and the Beast years ago, so it's exciting that it's on the West End - I personally think some of the best songs are in the stage musical (though it is sad to hear some of those have been cut), so I'm hoping that it being on in London and having been on tour will mean that more people can appreciate those songs! #mickeyjogiveaway
#mickeyjogiveaway I’m moving to the UK in 4 weeks, and honestly one of the things I’m most excited about is easier access to musical theatre (as much as I love it, Wellington, New Zealand isn’t exactly a happening place for shows). Your videos have been hyping me up!
I love Masion de lune!! I’d be so sad if they cut it. I also love the nit picking of this show you did. I recently saw a production of the show put on in my local town and I was just as picky about it because I love the show so much. It’s a really fantastic piece.
#MickeyJoGiveaway I found you about 2 weeks ago. I subscribed halfway through the first video. I felt lost as a Musical Theatre (it deserves to be capitalized) fan bc I was so out of touch with what was currently playing on stages. After watching your videos, I have discovered so many new shows, nevermind the stagey gossip that gives me life. You have reintroduced the joy of musicals into my life and it has changed me. I am dead serious. I am so much more happy now that I have new music to listen to instead of some older music that just carries bad memories. So, thank you. You are excellent at what you do. I look forward to your videos and I, as of late, have been one of your first few views on your videos. (15 seconds after you put it up this time.) :) have a good one!
I saw Beauty and the Beast years ago in New Orleans. This was the original, with no high-tech add ons. The dancing and singing tableware was a show stopper! It sounds like they are now using costumes that are similar to the mini-show at WDW.
I would say that the best seats for this show are in the royal circle. There's more leg room and you get the best view of the stage. I found bits of the show tedious and was waiting for Be Our Guest and If I Can't Love Her. I love the beast. The last time I went there were technical problems and there were scenes without any scenery; the village and the castle battlements weren't used.
It definitely fell flat for me. I went to the original West End production as a child in the mid-90s. It was stunning and I loved it, the soundtrack has always been my favourite. But for me, this time, they cut some of my favourite elements (The Mob Song, No Matter What, Maison De Lune). The staging was pretty well done for me, but I was expecting a little more. Costumes were beautiful! Maybe I had too high expectations after the version in my childhood. It’s still my favourite show hands down but this new version was disappointing for me :(
I can't believe that they cut " No matter what ",& " LA Mason de Lune". I hope when they come to America, those songs are back on. It definitely sets up what goings-on, or what will happen.
Mickey,you’re brilliant!!!You trough out your passion for the theater,right to our faces.The amount of information you have,put us in perspective of what happens on the stage.Thank you very much.Again:you’re brilliant!!Love from Brazil.
This production is interesting to look at. The last 2 major productions were from most of the same creative team from when the show was first developed. Nothing will EVER compare to that original 1994-2007 staging on Broadway. I was lucky to see it in NYC. First Broadway show I ever saw...... I saw it with Megan McGinnis and Steve Blanchard as the leads. Blew me away. The effects in that production are legendary..... especially the transformations back and forth between "The Prince" and "The Beast" and then at the end. Also, how was THE PROLOUGE done in this production if you can rate that?!!! Plus of course, hearing Dame Angela Lansbury's voice doing it now. That opening moment gives you the chills. When I saw it on Broadway, 3rd row and how the Enchantress throws this fireball 30 feet above the stage at "The Prince" with this huge explosion, a blackout, and then turning into "The Beast".
I saw the Original Broadway Cast in 1996, when I was 4. While I do not remember it, it very clearly shaped me in a huge way and is a family favorite memory.
#MickeyJoGiveaway . I’m looking forward to seeing more of Courtney Stapleton’s interpretation of Belle. I know we’ve had to majority of the UK tour so far, but I would like to see her.
Love your reviews and comments. You wipe the floor with a lot of the 'mainstream' critics. Definitely want to see this one - and maybe a return visit to Mirey Poppins, before it closes. Wonder if orchestras/conductors are reducing volume in light of the Goldscheider v Royal Opera House legal case (granted, that was news back in 2019, but may only be filtering through in practice, now).
Hi Mickey! Love your channel and all the stagey vibes 💜 From some of your other videos I’ve gotten the impression you’re a big fan of Six and have seen it a lot of times. I think a video about how the show has evoked and any script/lyric changes you’ve noticed would be cool! (If there has been many). Thanks for the great content!
Great review however, this is definitely not a cheeped out production. Form a technical side this production in one department takes the budget to £1million, where there are around 5 different departments. It’s easily a multimillion pound production for sure. It your not in the industry it’s very easy to underestimate the cost and work that goes into making these productions. Glad you enjoyed the show!
I do regret not trying to see this show when it came locally to me! Hope it will tour again! I did love your interactions with "Courtney Stapleton" though they made me giggle! So happy to see her as Belle! #mickeyjogiveaway
with all these changes to lots of disneys musicals,im glad lion king relatively is the same on tour to its broadway counterpart,minus morning report which even then its still good,(i just saw it last sunday in arizona)but i really want to see beauty and the beast regardless of the production one day,its one of my favorite disney shows
Thank you Mickey for doing this video, and for saying this, I gave my comments when they first started the tour, from what they showed, and the interviews, and I got raked over the coals for my views when the original and the tours of the original uncut are great and seem to be more what a Disney's beauty and the Beast would be like. This is why if you keep the original creative team, you don't fire the original Director and let your Choreographer take over as Director. You bring in a new Director for the show, or one that has directed the show allot of times. You are awesome and showing me that i was not crazy with the changes and the creative differences i have been seeing with this new production. the 1994 designs are so much more creative and look much more pleasing to the eye even the american tour that was done looks more like Disney's cartoon come to life, which is what is supposed to be happening with a Disney cartoon turned stage musical or live action. Again Mickey your the man.
The new costumes are really quite wonderful!!!! Ive never in general been a fan of Belle's gown Being YELLOW and not gold i always prefer her more golden than bright yellow but the design is STUNNING so honestly im ok. and while in a live production i have always though Belle just looks like Dorothy and this new dress just exacerbates that for me. I love her she's a wonderful belle but im just so disappointed in her wardrobe from beginning to end. and the changes to the script were equally as disapoionting when they happened originally in the US tour that happened like 8 years ago. the new script is just such a let down if you're familiar with the original at all.but i will say i generally enjoyed the new UK production!!!
I just saw this new production in Melbourne. Still a wonderful show, but its definitely a step down from the original version. I really missed the castle set. Couldn't believe they cut out the whole battle scene. Where did the angry mob go?? 😳 And why is Cogsworth green??
As much as I love Beauty and the Beast itself I've always, since I was a kid seeing the film, hated Be Our Guest, haha. So I probably won't ever go to the musical, but I'm delighted to hear about the casting and your take on the show! Thanks for your videos. You are one of the few YT creators that I listen to the entirety of your spiel even when it's the intro and outro stuff that is similar every time!
Another great video! I was able to see the show on tour in Edinburgh and loved, one of my favourites Disney shows on stage. I was blown away by the be our guest number like the packed a lot in! #MickeyJoGiveaway
I can see your points, but Beauty and the Beast is one of the shows for me that no matter how it’s done, I will love. Haven’t seen this version, but I have seen both a professional and community version of the show, and cried both times. #MickeyJoGiveaway
We have seen the show yesterday with my 7 year old daughter. She felt it was as scary but enjoyed the ‘be our guest’ scene. I haven’t seen the previous production but after this review I am looking forward to it if they bring it to London. We loved Lumiere and Madame the most 😊
I was too young to see the Australian production, grew up with cast recording though, HUGH JACKMAN in his FIRST musical role as GASTON!!! some clips on youtube
#mickeyjogiveaway I do love how they trimmed and scaled down the show since it's original cast. I also love the smaller more intimate cast. They really are a very attractive bunch ❤️ I enjoy your videos 📹
#mickeyjogiveaway I saw Toni Braxton in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast...and I have ALWAYS said "A Change In Me" reminded me of "I will Always Love You" from The Bodyguard LOL 🤣 Especially the way Toni Braxton sang it...later Belles not as much.
WHAT??? Maison des lunes was cut??! I’ve only seen (“recordings”… 👀) of the original production but I did love the “Beauty and the Beast: ON ICE!” special on television which features all the Broadway original songs. If you’re doing a production of the musical, include the original music! Even the ones I don’t care for.. include them! Also Belle laughing along during “Me” and other scenes destroys the point of those moments. Edit: and only can-can dancers in Be Our Guest?? The can-can dancers are supposed to *only* be napkins! Wearing dresses with cutlery on them doesn’t equal enchanted objects! To be honest I really hate the added lyrics “singing pork, dancing veal” but at least the objects are, well, objects. They’re impressive costumes and while yes probably awkward to wear and cumbersome… they’re objects!
OHMYGOD HEY I love your channel! I also love watching Aeron too! I have a question, how many times have you seen Matilda and could you do a review of it before the film comes out? Thank you! You are my favourite youtuber!
For me the biggest problems was after be our guest. Maybe its because i went to a really busy matinee but everyone was so hyped that loads of people went to the toilet, meaning nobody rly went in the interval. It just felt like the interval should have come then because nobody’s concentration was really there. So i think they should have stopped after be our guest. The other thing is that i thought they severely underplayed the beast changing, it kinda felt very rushed and kind of blink and you miss it. Other than that i enjoyed it lol
#MickeyJoGiveaway I saw the penultimate night of this in Manchester. The costumes are stunning, and the casting was spectacular. Wish I could see it again.
I just saw it tonight and it was great, but wow did they overdo it with the flashing lights every time there was a transformation or something exciting happened. I covered my eyes when the prince was about to transform because I expected to be nearly blinded, and they did indeed start flashing lights for like 30 seconds while dramatic music played. Yipe. #MickeyJoGiveaway
My sister is a massive Beauty and the Beast fan and we missed the show when it was in Manchester 😢 she was very sad. Maybe we should make a city break of getting down to London to watch it... #mickeyjogiveaway
This sounds a lot like the revamped North American tour from a few years ago. It was good, but after having seeing the original production it was a bit of a let down. It almost felt like Beauty and the Beast Lite or something.
Beauty and the beast is quite close to home for me because I performed a smaller production of it this year (the jnr. Version at least) and believe me, cut songs really hurt when you play the beast and "if I can't love her" is completely cut from the show ;-; #MickeyJoGiveaway
I agree totally about screens. It's been a pet peeve of mine ever since seeing Dirty Dancing about a decade ago. Which is a shame because I thought Beauty and Beast performances and choreography were outstanding
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Hi I love musicals too and I love Darren Criss and starkid
Will you do a reviewi of unfortunate
pls would u review millennials at the other palace! I’m v intrigued as to what u think of it :))
Excuse me, 'No Matter What' has been cut? Actually devastated. 😢 That is such an emotional centerpiece for the first act. #MickeyJoGiveaway
I was part of the merch team for when it was in Manchester and we were selling so many Courtney Belle Dolls. Sometimes several boxes a day. I did enjoy the show and thought it was a good production.
how much were they anyway?
@@georgiabadiali2321 they were £28
Personally I loved it so much it’s up there as one of the most memorable shows I’ve seen. I loved the whole be our guest section. I didn’t want it to end!!!
I love Courtney so so much but hearing some of the songs belted was such a weird moment for me after hearing these songs sang in a different way for decades, and I also had issues with the massive video screens and overall cheapness of the production #mickeyjogiveaway
I totally agree! Also the screens for the wolf chase scenes were a little childish for me like they didnt even bother to put effort.... I think I even heard someone laughing behind me because it was so fake😂
Pity about the costumes in Be Our Guest. I saw a local community theatre production last year and even with minimal set and effects they were able to pull off believable costumes for that number. They also featured diverse casting with a black actress as Belle and an amputee as the Beast (using a peg leg). Very unexpected but totally worked.
As an aside, I actually feel like theatres are getting louder. When I saw Mean Girls a few months ago the orchestra was drowning out the vocals. But then I'm the old lady (at 33) who doesn't enjoy movie theatres anymore bc they're too loud (and cold and expensive).
I mean you may be right of expecting more for these reasons with the script:
"No Matter What" is now optional. The authors recommend not including the song in the show and encourage using the new scene to replace it.
"Maison De Lunes" is now cut from the show. The character of Monsieur D’Arque has been trimmed to emphasize Gaston’s character and to cut run time of show.
"The Battle” between the villages and the enchanted objects at the end of Act 2 is now cut from the show.
The character(s) formerly named Silly Girls has been updated to Les Filles De La Ville.
Optional cuts for dance breaks are now available for certain numbers. The options are clearly outlined in the production handbook (Music Direction chapter) and the Piano/Conductor score.
They even cut out some gags and phrases, such as: the joke about Guillaume the houseboy, “We have exquisite tapestries dating all the way back to Aloysious the Pretentious…”, “Do I still have to sleep in the cupboard?”
But I like the modifications: Instead of “I like this girl, I like her spunk,” it’s “I like this young woman, she has spirit”
But I revised the script one last time, or should I say several times to make it even better
I don't understand why would they not recommend No Matter What
@@purplebrownie5175 They would leave only the reprise. SO UNFAIR! SO UNFAIR!
I archived all the orchestrations and band parts.
I was in the original London production and National Tour of B&tB back in 2000-2002 and I’m shocked how the quality of the direction, costumes and sets was superior 20 years ago.
Thank your for saying this Oliver.
I saw it in Chicago I think on tour around 2010ish and I think all of MickeyJo's criticisms applied to that tour (except the the video set). They cut the same two songs and Be Our Guest was more showgirls than dancing dinnerware.
I was in the orchestra at the Dominion for the original…a full orchestra…wonderful show. I think this is probably a pale imitation.
Beauty and the Beast has NEVER been to the same caliber as the original Broadway (and I believe original West End) run. They’ve gone cheaper and cheaper. To be fair, it’s no longer really a Disney production. Disney let’s anyone perform it now. I wish Disney themselves would produce a new production and go off the 2017 film. It had better original songs they could leap off of. Look at the Disney Cruise Beauty and the Beast production to get an idea what could be with an even bigger budget on Broadway (and West End of course)
I saw the show in Manchester and was so disappointed by the unnecessary changes, like removing two songs to give more dance time to Be Our Guest and Gaston, plus a ton of other little things, I wrote a 7 page essay to get rid of my frustration 🤣
My first experience with the full Beauty and the Beast Musical was actually seeing a high school production at State Thespians (in the US it's basically a big theater kid convention and they usually pick and give funding to 5ish high school musical productions and they put on full shows at the local performing arts theater). And they kept in both "No Matter What" and "Maison de Lunes" complete with a big elaborate dance sequence. I remember we all went totally nuts for it, all the kids attached to that musical became situational celebrities for that week.
I totally agreed about the overtune. I love when it just hits you. The ones that comes to mind for me is the wicked overtune, it’s my favorite by far and makes me tear up a bit
Great Video, having been one of the original Chips at the Dominion back in 97 I hold this show very close to my heart.
I saw Beauty and the Beast at the palladium a couple weeks back and couldn't help but feel that some of it fell flat. Wasn't sure if it was just me, but your analysis of it has definitely pinpointed a lot things that may have explained it! E.g. the knife and fork patterned suits. Great review! #mickeyjogiveaway
Nothing will live up to the original broadway production:)
I’m so glad I got to see the old production as a kid in the hippodrome Birmingham aaaaageees ago 🥰
Interesting fact. Maison des lunes was not in the show originally. They put it in later in the run. I.m not sure if it was added when the show moved to the Lunt-Fontanne or towards the end of the Palace run. But it wasn't there the first time I saw the show. I just found this show production online and I thought it it looked like a theme park attraction, which is sad, because this is a show near and dear to my heart.
I saw beauty and the beast in manchester after seeing that they were selling premium seats normally around £100+ for £20 cause they were on there own so a group of us went just sitting by ourselves which makes no difference cause you should be SILENT during shows anyway 👀 I enjoyed it but at times it felt lacking in power. #mickeyjogiveaway
I actually find it a bit distracting seeing theatre and movies with other people. I keep wanting to gauge their reaction- and then if they very obviously don't like it, that can ruin it for me even when I do like it. I'd totally take those individual seats!
OMG I'm feeling old! I saw the original Broadway production (in previews!) in 1994 just before I moved from NYC. Before you were born! It was such a thrill seeing the opening number from the movie (which clearly had Broadway written all over it) on stage.
One of my favorite things about Gaston's Tavern at Magic Kingdom here in FL is an instrumental of Maison De Lunes plays as part of the inside music loop. I'd love to have another touring production here in the states since I haven't seen the show since I was very young. #MickeyJoGiveaway
Scrolls Mickey! They are called Scrolls! There are three of them!
I remember Maison Des Lune! I saw the original on Broadway, with Susan and Terrence, and it fit so well in the show - it gave so much more to Gaston.
Maison de lunes is also a straight up BOP and it actually does serve the plot which is what songs in musicals are for
Talk about Carl Man in Wicked.😍
The last musical i saw live before Covid was Beauty and the Beast and the Production was amazing 😍👏❗️
I loved it so much 👏
#mickeyjogiveaway
I was actually one of the dressers backstage at Beauty and the Beast on the tour before it went to the Palladium and I'm gutted I didn't get to see it, but I was so blessed to hear my favourite Disney score every night ❤️
As for diverse casting, great to see. They did it back in the late 90’s though too, not on the merch but when we saw it in 1999, they had a Belle who was also black. I can’t remember if we saw her, we saw the closing performance
Saw it in Birmingham! This felt like a representation of the move away from practical sets to me, the projections (and horrendous hanging castle pieces) simply does not deliver the magic. Gaston with the revolve really baffled me especially with the massive but empty stage. Agreed on Maison de lunes and no matter what. Beauty and the beast was the first production I was ever in and the changes affected me much more than expected!
Could you possibly review the new/tour staging of les mis? Removing the revolve was a terrible decision in my opinion but I’d like to know what you think!
Nothing will live up to the original broadway production
I would love to see you do a joint “obsessed” and “stagey” video with the Seth Rudetsky.
I really hope video screen sets don't become a big thing. I'd rather they have a simpler real set that can be pushed around a bit for different locations than a video set.
I saw it when it was touring in Sunderland. I saw the understudy for belle and she was brilliant. I loved this show.
My husband and I played Lumiere and Cogsworth opposite each other in Beauty and the Beast. ❤️ #mickeyjogiveaway
#MickeyJoGiveaway I absolutely love Beauty and the Beast, I'm seeing it next month and cannot WAIT! It's my all time favourite movie of all time ever, it helped me when I was being bullied and I have just clung onto it ever since. I wore out my copy on VHS and decided that if I was to meet someone then it would be a while before I showed them this movie as I didn't want it to be "our" movie and if we break up then I wouldn't want to watch it again. When the remake came out I was there in my dress with the characters on it, first screening, front row with the build a bears
I exped more from the show but belles voice was brillant
#mickeyjogiveaway I travelled from Belfast to Bristol to see the opening night of this new production. It was very exciting and it was cool to see the director give a speech before the show. While I enjoyed the show, I left feeling kinda empty and thinking they missed something. It lacked depth for me. I totally agree about the in-cohesiveness of the costume and set, it really stood out to me and distracted me from the story. Love your channel, Mickey.
I think you’re gonna be the next big reviewer in the UK… Mickey Billington…and I’m excited for you
I saw the original production on broadway when I was young back in the 90s but seeing the trailer of this show makes me wanna see it
Yeah I heard that the cuts would be happening. MTI has revised the show and made cuts. This is the new licensed version they are offering. So any Beauty and the Beast productions moving forward will have these revisions. Makes me kinda sad.
Wow, they’re ruining such a good show 😢
I just did the show last year as Belle in a community theatre production and “No Matter What” and “Maison de Lunes” were still in the show. I truly hope this doesn’t change.
Please review the new cast of &Juliet - it’s phenomenal!!
I was in the ensemble for my school production of Beauty and the Beast years ago, so it's exciting that it's on the West End - I personally think some of the best songs are in the stage musical (though it is sad to hear some of those have been cut), so I'm hoping that it being on in London and having been on tour will mean that more people can appreciate those songs! #mickeyjogiveaway
I love Beauty and the Beast so much! I’ve been waiting for it to get revived. I hope this production comes to the US someday! #MickeyJoGiveaway
#mickeyjogiveaway I’m moving to the UK in 4 weeks, and honestly one of the things I’m most excited about is easier access to musical theatre (as much as I love it, Wellington, New Zealand isn’t exactly a happening place for shows). Your videos have been hyping me up!
Safe travels, I hope all works out well with no big hiccups!
Oh honey *I* enjoyed Tom Senior as Gaston 😂
I love Disney too
In Fact Disney is one of my special Interests Along with musical theatre.
I sing a a change in me from beauty and the beauty can’t wait in my solo concert
#MickyJoGiveaway Thankyou Micky, I love myself a programme on every visit to the theatre. What a great ideas to give one away!
Loving the Connor cast on the shelf
I love Masion de lune!! I’d be so sad if they cut it. I also love the nit picking of this show you did. I recently saw a production of the show put on in my local town and I was just as picky about it because I love the show so much. It’s a really fantastic piece.
#MickeyJoGiveaway I found you about 2 weeks ago. I subscribed halfway through the first video. I felt lost as a Musical Theatre (it deserves to be capitalized) fan bc I was so out of touch with what was currently playing on stages. After watching your videos, I have discovered so many new shows, nevermind the stagey gossip that gives me life. You have reintroduced the joy of musicals into my life and it has changed me. I am dead serious. I am so much more happy now that I have new music to listen to instead of some older music that just carries bad memories. So, thank you. You are excellent at what you do. I look forward to your videos and I, as of late, have been one of your first few views on your videos. (15 seconds after you put it up this time.) :) have a good one!
I saw Beauty and the Beast years ago in New Orleans. This was the original, with no high-tech add ons. The dancing and singing tableware was a show stopper! It sounds like they are now using costumes that are similar to the mini-show at WDW.
I would say that the best seats for this show are in the royal circle. There's more leg room and you get the best view of the stage. I found bits of the show tedious and was waiting for Be Our Guest and If I Can't Love Her. I love the beast. The last time I went there were technical problems and there were scenes without any scenery; the village and the castle battlements weren't used.
It definitely fell flat for me. I went to the original West End production as a child in the mid-90s. It was stunning and I loved it, the soundtrack has always been my favourite. But for me, this time, they cut some of my favourite elements (The Mob Song, No Matter What, Maison De Lune). The staging was pretty well done for me, but I was expecting a little more. Costumes were beautiful! Maybe I had too high expectations after the version in my childhood. It’s still my favourite show hands down but this new version was disappointing for me :(
I can't believe that they cut " No matter what ",& " LA Mason de Lune". I hope when they come to America, those songs are back on. It definitely sets up what goings-on, or what will happen.
Nooo, Maison Des Lunes was one of my fave songs! The harmonies are SO cool!
Mickey,you’re brilliant!!!You trough out your passion for the theater,right to our faces.The amount of information you have,put us in perspective of what happens on the stage.Thank you very much.Again:you’re brilliant!!Love from Brazil.
This production is interesting to look at. The last 2 major productions were from most of the same creative team from when the show was first developed. Nothing will EVER compare to that original 1994-2007 staging on Broadway. I was lucky to see it in NYC. First Broadway show I ever saw...... I saw it with Megan McGinnis and Steve Blanchard as the leads. Blew me away. The effects in that production are legendary..... especially the transformations back and forth between "The Prince" and "The Beast" and then at the end.
Also, how was THE PROLOUGE done in this production if you can rate that?!!! Plus of course, hearing Dame Angela Lansbury's voice doing it now. That opening moment gives you the chills. When I saw it on Broadway, 3rd row and how the Enchantress throws this fireball 30 feet above the stage at "The Prince" with this huge explosion, a blackout, and then turning into "The Beast".
I saw the Original Broadway Cast in 1996, when I was 4. While I do not remember it, it very clearly shaped me in a huge way and is a family favorite memory.
#MickeyJoGiveaway . I’m looking forward to seeing more of Courtney Stapleton’s interpretation of Belle. I know we’ve had to majority of the UK tour so far, but I would like to see her.
“It is a very different Beast! Ahaha pardon the pun!” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Hey everyone! Fun Disney Fact: Keep your eyes out for Sebastian from The Little Mermaid in Be Our Guest as he makes a cheeky appearance!
Love your reviews and comments. You wipe the floor with a lot of the 'mainstream' critics. Definitely want to see this one - and maybe a return visit to Mirey Poppins, before it closes. Wonder if orchestras/conductors are reducing volume in light of the Goldscheider v Royal Opera House legal case (granted, that was news back in 2019, but may only be filtering through in practice, now).
#MickeyJoGiveaway I'd love to see you do a tier list of musicals!
Hi Mickey! Love your channel and all the stagey vibes 💜 From some of your other videos I’ve gotten the impression you’re a big fan of Six and have seen it a lot of times. I think a video about how the show has evoked and any script/lyric changes you’ve noticed would be cool! (If there has been many). Thanks for the great content!
Great review however, this is definitely not a cheeped out production. Form a technical side this production in one department takes the budget to £1million, where there are around 5 different departments.
It’s easily a multimillion pound production for sure. It your not in the industry it’s very easy to underestimate the cost and work that goes into making these productions. Glad you enjoyed the show!
#MickeyJoGiveaway I love Beauty & The Beast. It was my first Broadway musical.
I do regret not trying to see this show when it came locally to me! Hope it will tour again! I did love your interactions with "Courtney Stapleton" though they made me giggle! So happy to see her as Belle! #mickeyjogiveaway
#Mickeyjogiveaway. Please review Crazy for you at Chichester Festival Theatre.
with all these changes to lots of disneys musicals,im glad lion king relatively is the same on tour to its broadway counterpart,minus morning report which even then its still good,(i just saw it last sunday in arizona)but i really want to see beauty and the beast regardless of the production one day,its one of my favorite disney shows
Thank you Mickey for doing this video, and for saying this, I gave my comments when they first started the tour, from what they showed, and the interviews, and I got raked over the coals for my views when the original and the tours of the original uncut are great and seem to be more what a Disney's beauty and the Beast would be like. This is why if you keep the original creative team, you don't fire the original Director and let your Choreographer take over as Director. You bring in a new Director for the show, or one that has directed the show allot of times. You are awesome and showing me that i was not crazy with the changes and the creative differences i have been seeing with this new production. the 1994 designs are so much more creative and look much more pleasing to the eye even the american tour that was done looks more like Disney's cartoon come to life, which is what is supposed to be happening with a Disney cartoon turned stage musical or live action. Again Mickey your the man.
The new costumes are really quite wonderful!!!! Ive never in general been a fan of Belle's gown Being YELLOW and not gold i always prefer her more golden than bright yellow but the design is STUNNING so honestly im ok. and while in a live production i have always though Belle just looks like Dorothy and this new dress just exacerbates that for me. I love her she's a wonderful belle but im just so disappointed in her wardrobe from beginning to end. and the changes to the script were equally as disapoionting when they happened originally in the US tour that happened like 8 years ago. the new script is just such a let down if you're familiar with the original at all.but i will say i generally enjoyed the new UK production!!!
I just saw this new production in Melbourne. Still a wonderful show, but its definitely a step down from the original version. I really missed the castle set. Couldn't believe they cut out the whole battle scene. Where did the angry mob go?? 😳 And why is Cogsworth green??
I love your instincts and aesthetic. If I were a producer I’d hire you to direct!
#MickeyJoGiveaway I saw it few days ago on my first trip to London. It sure wasn’t perfect, but I found it magical
I've always wanted to see this
I appreciate it this review so much. I seen the UK tour back in 2001 I think it was and I was blown away! This version did leave me underwhelmed 🤦♀️
As much as I love Beauty and the Beast itself I've always, since I was a kid seeing the film, hated Be Our Guest, haha. So I probably won't ever go to the musical, but I'm delighted to hear about the casting and your take on the show! Thanks for your videos. You are one of the few YT creators that I listen to the entirety of your spiel even when it's the intro and outro stuff that is similar every time!
#MickeyJoGiveaway this production looks absolutely amazing, I hope one day they will bring it to Brazil
#mickeyjogiveaway. My first Broadway show. Excited to see this new production!
I really hope This production transfers to broadway one day
Another great video! I was able to see the show on tour in Edinburgh and loved, one of my favourites Disney shows on stage. I was blown away by the be our guest number like the packed a lot in! #MickeyJoGiveaway
I can see your points, but Beauty and the Beast is one of the shows for me that no matter how it’s done, I will love. Haven’t seen this version, but I have seen both a professional and community version of the show, and cried both times. #MickeyJoGiveaway
We have seen the show yesterday with my 7 year old daughter. She felt it was as scary but enjoyed the ‘be our guest’ scene. I haven’t seen the previous production but after this review I am looking forward to it if they bring it to London.
We loved Lumiere and Madame the most 😊
I was too young to see the Australian production, grew up with cast recording though, HUGH JACKMAN in his FIRST musical role as GASTON!!! some clips on youtube
#mickeyjogiveaway
I do love how they trimmed and scaled down the show since it's original cast. I also love the smaller more intimate cast. They really are a very attractive bunch ❤️
I enjoy your videos 📹
Agreed. I have a weird question… did you play Cogsworth once? Just because I think I spotted some of his merch in the background ❤
Would you talk about 25 anniversary of phantom of the opera with Ramin and Sierra? Love to know what you think
btw i adore your shelf in the background! so many cute stagey things to spot 😍😍 #mickeyjogiveaway
#mickeyjogiveaway
I saw Toni Braxton in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast...and I have ALWAYS said "A Change In Me" reminded me of "I will Always Love You" from The Bodyguard LOL 🤣 Especially the way Toni Braxton sang it...later Belles not as much.
They just released footage of the new Lydia in Beetlejuice singing Dead Mom. What do you think of her ?
WHAT??? Maison des lunes was cut??! I’ve only seen (“recordings”… 👀) of the original production but I did love the “Beauty and the Beast: ON ICE!” special on television which features all the Broadway original songs. If you’re doing a production of the musical, include the original music! Even the ones I don’t care for.. include them! Also Belle laughing along during “Me” and other scenes destroys the point of those moments.
Edit: and only can-can dancers in Be Our Guest?? The can-can dancers are supposed to *only* be napkins! Wearing dresses with cutlery on them doesn’t equal enchanted objects! To be honest I really hate the added lyrics “singing pork, dancing veal” but at least the objects are, well, objects. They’re impressive costumes and while yes probably awkward to wear and cumbersome… they’re objects!
OHMYGOD HEY I love your channel! I also love watching Aeron too! I have a question, how many times have you seen Matilda and could you do a review of it before the film comes out? Thank you! You are my favourite youtuber!
#MickeyJoGiveaway
Love Beauty and the Beast!
Have never have the opportunity to see the show
For me the biggest problems was after be our guest. Maybe its because i went to a really busy matinee but everyone was so hyped that loads of people went to the toilet, meaning nobody rly went in the interval. It just felt like the interval should have come then because nobody’s concentration was really there. So i think they should have stopped after be our guest. The other thing is that i thought they severely underplayed the beast changing, it kinda felt very rushed and kind of blink and you miss it. Other than that i enjoyed it lol
They made it like the NETworks Tour. My top worry if they revive it on Broadway
#MickeyJoGiveaway I saw the penultimate night of this in Manchester. The costumes are stunning, and the casting was spectacular. Wish I could see it again.
The rocky horror tour in September 2022.
I just saw it tonight and it was great, but wow did they overdo it with the flashing lights every time there was a transformation or something exciting happened. I covered my eyes when the prince was about to transform because I expected to be nearly blinded, and they did indeed start flashing lights for like 30 seconds while dramatic music played. Yipe. #MickeyJoGiveaway
My sister is a massive Beauty and the Beast fan and we missed the show when it was in Manchester 😢 she was very sad. Maybe we should make a city break of getting down to London to watch it... #mickeyjogiveaway
This sounds a lot like the revamped North American tour from a few years ago. It was good, but after having seeing the original production it was a bit of a let down. It almost felt like Beauty and the Beast Lite or something.
Love hearing your thoughts on all the happenings in the theatre world! Thanks for all you do #MickeyJoGiveaway
Beauty and the beast is quite close to home for me because I performed a smaller production of it this year (the jnr. Version at least) and believe me, cut songs really hurt when you play the beast and "if I can't love her" is completely cut from the show ;-; #MickeyJoGiveaway
I agree totally about screens. It's been a pet peeve of mine ever since seeing Dirty Dancing about a decade ago. Which is a shame because I thought Beauty and Beast performances and choreography were outstanding