The Benedum Center in Pittsburgh has been transformed into an enchanted castle this week as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes the stage for a limited engagement from February 24 through March 1, 2026. Presented by Disney Theatrical Group and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as part of the 2025–2026 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series, this production marks Disney’s first North American tour of the beloved musical in over 25 years — and it’s every bit as magical as audiences could hope for.
A Tale as Old as Time, Reimagined for Today
Based on the 1991 Academy Award®–winning animated film, Beauty and the Beast first premiered on Broadway in 1994, where it became one of the longest-running and highest-grossing shows in history. Nominated for nine Tony Awards® and winner for Best Costume Design, the musical helped define Disney’s theatrical legacy. Now, under the direction and choreography of Matt West — who returns from the original Broadway creative team — the show feels both nostalgic and newly invigorated.
The story remains timeless: Belle, a bright and independent young woman, finds herself in an enchanted castle with a cursed prince who must learn to love and be loved in return. What makes this production shine is its balance of heart, humor, and spectacle. The pacing is brisk, the staging inventive, and the emotional beats land with sincerity.
A Feast for the Senses
From the moment the curtain rises, the Benedum Center becomes a living fairytale. Stanley A. Meyer’s scenic design conjures a world of grandeur and mystery, while Natasha Katz’s lighting bathes the stage in rich, cinematic hues. The costumes by Tony Award® winner Ann Hould-Ward are a visual feast — from Belle’s iconic golden gown to the whimsical wardrobe of the enchanted household. Every detail glitters with craftsmanship and care.
The illusions by Jim Steinmeyer, who also worked on the original 1994 production, add a layer of theatrical wonder. Transformations happen before your eyes, and the Beast’s final metamorphosis drew audible gasps from the audience. The sound design by John Shivers and projections by Darrel Maloney enhance the immersive experience, making the castle feel alive with enchantment.
Music That Still Captivates
Alan Menken’s Academy Award®–winning score remains the heart of the show. The familiar songs by Menken and the late Howard Ashman — including the title ballad and the exuberant “Be Our Guest” — are joined by stage-exclusive numbers written with lyricist Tim Rice, such as “If I Can’t Love Her” and “A Change in Me.” Under the musical direction of David Andrews Rogers, the orchestra delivers a lush, full-bodied sound that fills the Benedum with warmth and nostalgia.
The performances are uniformly strong. Belle’s voice, portrayed by Kyra Belle Johnson, soars with clarity and conviction, capturing both her yearning for adventure and her compassion for the Beast. The Beast himself is portrayed by Fergie L. Phillippe with a moving blend of power and vulnerability, particularly in his show-stopping solo “If I Can’t Love Her.”
The supporting cast — from Lumière’s flamboyant charm to Cogsworth’s comic precision — keeps the energy high and the laughter flowing. “Be Our Guest” remains a showstopper, a dazzling explosion of choreography, color, and joy that earned massive applause mid-show.
A Production Worthy of Its Legacy
This revival of Beauty and the Beast is more than a nostalgic return — it’s a celebration of theatrical artistry and storytelling that continues to resonate across generations. The creative team, including music supervisor Michael Kosarin, orchestrator Danny Troob, and dance arranger David Chase, ensures that every note and movement feels both classic and contemporary.
For Pittsburgh audiences, this one-week engagement is a rare opportunity to experience Disney’s Broadway magic up close. The production’s scale, polish, and heart remind us why Beauty and the Beast remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
Final Thoughts
With its breathtaking visuals, unforgettable music, and timeless message about love and acceptance, Beauty and the Beast at the Benedum Center is a triumph of theatrical enchantment. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this production proves that some stories truly are “a tale as old as time” — and just as exhilarating as ever.
Tickets for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast may be purchased here.