Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at something very, very magical.
“Do NOT cry!” I told myself sternly. “It’s just a song,” I muttered as the incredibly talented actors bounded about the stage, re-imagining one of my beloved childhood favourites in front of my very eyes.
With Dori Saltzman, senior editor of Cruise Critic on my right and Gene Sloan, travel expert for USA Today on my left, I marveled at my sheer fortune. I was seated in Disney Cruise Line’s production facility in Toronto, enjoying a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of Beauty and the Beast, DCL’s new musical debuting on the Disney Dream in November.
I was verklempt.
The musical begins with Maurice, a music box maker who has created a very special music box to tell the tale of Belle and the beast. Try to picture it: the stage on the Disney Dream will be transformed into an oversized replica of the music box, coming alive with lights and sounds as the story begins. Although the actors performed without lighting, special effects or costumes – further enhancing the intimate, “behind the scenes” quality of the preview – we were nevertheless treated to such iconic songs as Belle, Gaston and Be Our Guest. The casting is perfectly imperfect; Belle is both beautiful and bookish, Gaston’s arrogance is only matched in size by his biceps. In short, it’s a dream ensemble.
In addition to the goosebump-inducing preview (see video below for more), we were also afforded time for a Q&A session with the musical’s writer, creative director, costume designer and others instrumental in bringing the production to life.
“What’s so special about Beauty and the Beast on the Disney Dream is that we are taking inspiration from this live action film, that’s very fresh and very different, and we’re translating it into a world that’s completely transformational – live in front of your eyes,” says Wendy Anderson, Executive Creative Director.
The Beauty and the Beast characters are outfitted by Costume Designer Sarah Cubbage, who draws inspiration from Disney’s live-action and animated films. Up close, the painstaking costume detail is evident with every stitch; the costumes pay homage to another time in a more magical world.
Like all Disney Cruise Line productions, the musical will be of Broadway calibre with a cast of 18 talented actors and dancers. Having seen Frozen on the Disney Wonder earlier this year, I can only imagine how incredible it will be to see this show live. Beauty and the Beast debuts on the Disney Dream’s November 6th sailing.
Of course, as only the dishes would have it, we ended with a feast.
I’m also happy to share a very special promotion: with the Disney Cruise Line Canadian Resident Offer, Canadians save 25% off prevailing rates for Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select 7- or 8-night cruises departing New York City on October 14 and November 18, 2017. Both sailings include festive decor, themed activities and a bonus treat – Marvel Day at Sea, an exciting, day-long extravaganza packed with Marvel Super Heroes (and villains) and one-of-a-kind entertainment.
See more of our magical preview courtesy of USA Today:
Thanks it was nice to have a look behind the scenes, great video !
Those costumes are so intricate, so detailed & beautiful. Beauty & The Beast is just a magical show. How cool to get a behind the scenes view of it all.
What a wonderful experience and so interesting too :-)
Cruise ships are so amazing! I can’t believe the incredible entertainment. I would totally cry at that song too. I get tearing just thinking about it!
Oh Susan I was trying to pep talk myself the entire time! I just felt like bawling, it was so beautiful!
Beautiful! Our family loves the movies so we’d be sure to love the show on the Disney cruise!
Fun! I would love to take a Disney cruise to experience some of the Disney magic! They make everything so fun!
this actually makes me want to take a cruise! I never have wanted to because my fear of water but this would really help to get over that fear lol
Ohhh I get it. The first time I cruised I was a nervous wreck! But I can assure you that once you set foot on the cruise ship, you’ll forget all about it! It’s so magical!
I was just telling my husband that I would love to take our kids on a Disney Cruise. That discount code is definitely tempting me… :).
Don’t fight the feeling! Disney Cruise Line is worth every penny and with discount codes, it’s the perfect time to take advantage!
I now want to take a Disney Cruise,time to start planning !
I loved being able to see these photos. Seeing the costumes in person would have been amazing!
Enjoyed this one of my favorite kids movies,
I love Beauty and the Beast. I would really love to go on this cruise, but teacher-life means no vacation time in October!
I love Beauty and the Beast! Would have been so amazing to watch!
I love beauty and the Beats! This cruise would be amazing. Costume Designer Sarah Cubbage is so talented.
Lena you are bad for my wallet but excellent for helping my kids make memories!!! Found a good deal for February 2, 2018 sailing on the Dream and just booked it!! We’re not telling the kids until Christmas. I can’t wait to see the musical!
What?? That’s AWESOME! You will love it so much! Happy to be a good influence on your vacation plans! :)
Should I be embarrassed to admit I haven’t seen Beauty and the Beast? :o
How incredible. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite Disney movie. It must have been an amazing tour.
What a great experience.
wow that’s amazing , what a great experience :)
Thats so awesome/ the cupcakes look delicious
Would love to be on this cruise & take in this show!
What a great experience – I have a daughter who is Disney nuts (over 25 !!) and would love to surprise her one day.
Very interesting look behind the scenes.
My granddaughter is a huge fan of the movie and was so impressed with the Go behind the scenes video posted!
I can’t believe I forgot about seeing this movie but I’m going to see it tomorrow. It looks like they’ve come up with a great idea for their cruise line
So cool! I am a beauty and the beast fanatic! <3
This would be such a wonderful experience. I love the costumes.
Sounds like you had an amazing time.
That was great. I love the beauty and how whimsical.
The show and the food must have been fantastic, what a fabulous experience, memories made and treasured.
I would love to make memories like this,so much fun!
What a wondering show,must have been amazing !
love those little cupcakes
Sounds so great. (now I am craving cupcakes!)
It sounded like such a fun and wonderful experience! Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite Disney movies!