Tickets on sale for blockbuster musical Beauty and the Beast

The dazzling musical Beauty and the Beast is coming to Brisbane and tickets are on sale from today.

The dazzling Disney blockbuster musical Beauty and the Beast is coming to Brisbane for the first time, with tickets on sale from 9am today(Thur).

And while the heart-warming classic tale of love and redemption is based on the Academy Award-winning 1991 animated film, stunning new sets and up-to-the-minute technical wizardry ensure a sprinkle of very contemporary magic.

The lavish production features a swag of Queenslanders who are looking forward to bringing the musical home to South Bank’s QPAC from February 15.

Among them is Brisbane’s Shubshri Kandiah, who plays Belle opposite Brendan Xavier as the Beast, in the enchanted tale of love conquering all.

Brendan Xavier and Shubshri Kandiah in Beauty and the Beast.

Kandiah, who studied at the Queensland Conservatorium, says she can’t wait to bring Beauty and the Beast here.

“I still live in Brisbane (when I’m not on tour), so it’s so special to be bringing it home. It’s the first time that Beauty and the Beast will travel to Brisbane and I think audiences are just going to love it,” she says.

“It’s an incredible production ... such beautiful music written by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and the orchestra sounds phenomenal playing it. The sound is so cinematic.

“The sets are incredible and have also been very cleverly elevated by digital content which is one of the many ways this version has been reimagined.

“The illusions and Disney magic, as always, take your breath away, and have people leaving the theatre wondering how it all works. One of my favourite moments every night is hearing the gasps in the audience as they see the reveal of Belle’s yellow gown.

“The costumes are spectacular, and no expense has been spared in the making of this world-class production. It’s truly a timeless story full of nostalgia and romance and I feel very lucky to be a part of it.”

Xavier echoes Kandiah’s enthusiasm for the show’s Brisbane season.

“I can’t wait to get back to Brisbane! My first time was performing in Disney’s Frozen the Musical and the audiences were so fabulous and welcoming,” he says.

“I’m proud to be part of this magnificent production. The Disney magic, the incredible illusions, the gorgeous sets and costumes, the orchestra ... audiences are in for such a treat.

“It’s based on the original animated feature – the first animated film to win an Academy Award in fact ... so it’s the story you know and love.

“The themes of redemption, not judging a book by its cover and friendship add beautiful layers to the storyline and really give us a lot to work with as actors.
“People leave the theatre in awe at the spectacle, humming the tunes, and reflecting over the messages. I feel very lucky to be a part of this amazing company and getting to share this story with an audience every night.”

Tickets to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast go on sale at 9am, Thursday October 19 from www.beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au