Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Musical debuts in Brisbane

The stars of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical reveal some of the show’s ‘wow moments’ ahead of its Brisbane season opening at QPAC.

Brisbane’s theatre scene is set for a magical uplift as Disney’s iconic Beauty and the Beast musical prepares to charm audiences at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre starting this weekend.

This spellbinding production brings a fresh twist to the classic 90s show, reviving the enchanting story and melodies that won hearts worldwide.

Disney princess Shubshri Kandiah on why Belle is her favourite role

With an All-Star Aussie cast, including Brisbane’s very own Shubshri Kandiah as Belle and Jackson Head as Gaston, the show promises a homegrown celebration of talent.

“I really can’t wait to get back to Brisbane,” Ms Kandiah said.

Featuring the original Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated scores by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, alongside new dance arrangements and choreography, the musical ensures a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

In a quick Q+A with The Courier-Mail, Ms Kandiah and Brendan Xavier, who plays Beast, reveal their favourite moments in the show.

Beauty and the Beast leads Brendan Xavier (Beast) and Shubshri Kandiah (Belle), in a Velani Couture dress. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Your thoughts on bringing the show to Brisbane?

Shubshri: I’m thrilled to be performing at home. It’s such a privilege to bring this beautiful show here and I think Brisbane audiences will go wild for Beauty and The Beast. They’re always very excited and so receptive to new shows - They’re going to love it!

Brendan: I’m really excited to bring the show to Brisbane. It’s amazing that Brisbane audiences can see it in their own city for the very first time. I’ve got family here so it’s going to be really special to have them in the audience - it means so much to me to have their support. Brisbane audiences are always wonderfully loud and enthusiastic, I can’t wait to hear them. As performers we love nothing more than really great crowds - they give us so much energy.

Kandiah studied at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium. Picture: Nigel Hallett

How audiences in Sydney responded to your performances?

Shubshri: Sydney audiences were really enchanted by the pure magic of the show; some of my favourite moments were hearing the gasps during the Beast’s transformation and the sounds of people marvelling at little Chip in his cart, you have to experience these moments to believe them.

Brendan: The audiences loved the show! We had such a great time in Sydney and that had a lot to do with how much the audience responded to this show. They were so invested and responsive and I can’t wait to see and hear what Brisbane audiences think!

Kandiah and Xavier in Disney's Beauty and The Beast the Musical. Picture: Daniel Boud

Gareth Jacobs, Hayley Martin, Rohan Browne, Jayde Westaby and Alana Tranter in Disney's Beauty and The Beast the Musical - performing Human Again. Picture: Daniel Boud

Any surprises in store for QPAC audiences?

Shubshri: Brisbane audiences are always so responsive - they are known around the country for it! I think they will be amazed by Belle’s yellow dress reveal - it’s a moment in the show that is very special to me and I can’t wait to see what the audience thinks.

Brendan: There are so many surprises, this production is a spectacle. The cast is exceptional, the lighting and staging is beautiful, the production value is through the roof and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a Disney show and so much more. I think Brisbane audiences will be genuinely shocked and in awe of what they see on the Lyric Theatre stage.

The Brisbane season runs from February 15 to April 21 at the Lyric Theatre QPAC.

Tickets on sale now via beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au